Gov. Charlie Crist is ending the night as Florida's undisputed political hero: backing the winning presidential horse in John McCain and delivering a win with passage of Amendment 1.

"People have been wanting to not be trapped in their homes for a long time, so it looks like they have freed themselves tonight,'' the governor said upon his arrival at McCain's victory party in Miami.

'The citizens of Florida have spoken and today received the tax cut they deserved. Amendment 1 gives the people of Florida a tax cut- guaranteed by law, and will help reignite Florida's economy. ...

'With the passage of Amendment 1, families just like them will now see an immediate decrease and even greater savings when they move. Amendment 1 keeps the American Dream of homeownership alive for millions of other Floridians as well as brings relief for businesses and non-homesteaders.'

Moments later, he stood on stage behind McCain as the now-presidential frontrunner gave his victory speech, broadcast nationally.

Meanwhile, the Legislature's presiding officers have released statements on Amendment 1's win.

'Today's vote is the first step, not the last, in providing the tax relief," said House Speaker Marco Rubio, R-West Miami. "More must be done to reform Florida's unfair property tax system that is making our state increasingly unaffordable."

"Nearly every editorial board, many local government officials, and some politicians did everything they could to see this amendment fail, but taxpayers recognized the chance for relief," Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St. Lucie, added. "Charlie Crist proves again that he truly is the People's Governor; this is a big win for Floridians and for Governor Crist -- and I could not be more proud."