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Face Of The GOP Could Change After Tuesday

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MIAMI (CBSMiami)  -- The face of the Republican presidential race could change Tuesday - following primaries in five states.

Voters in Florida, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina and Missouri are hitting the polls.

GOP frontrunner Donald Trump leads the polls in every state except Ohio, where he is in a virtual tie with the state's popular governor, John Kasich.

"Your Governor is totally overrated," said Trump

The front-runner will be in Florida as workers tally votes. He will be holding a press conference in The Mar A Lago Club in Palm Beach at 9 p.m.

Ahead of the event, Trump assured supporters he will claim victory in Florida.

"I love you. Go vote on Tuesday. I love you. We're going to win again," said Trump.

At his last South Florida stop in Boca Raton, Trump boasted he still has broad support.

"I win with men. We win with the military. We win with the vets. We win with young, with old.  We win with highly educated and we win with less than highly educated," said Trump.

What will be interesting to see is how the country reacts to this past week's violent protests in which fights broke out between Trump supporters and protesters in several places.

"That's why I think tonight is so important. What is the sum total of the country's reaction in these primary states to what they just witnessed.  If it's still solidly with Trump that will send a very definite signal about Trump's campaign, what it can endure, what it can whether, if you will and where it's likely to head," said Major Garrett with CBS News.

As for Trump's competition, Kasich voted Tuesday morning and said he feels proud of his campaign.

Related: It's Florida's Presidential Preference Primary Day

"By continuing to run the race, the positive campaign is starting to shine through like a beacon," said Kasich.

Meantime in Florida - Marco Rubio's political future is on the line. A Trump win in Florida will likely spell the end for Rubio's campaign.

Rubio is back in Florida Tuesday to attend a celebration with supporters at 7 p.m. at Florida International University.

Related: Hillary Clinton: "The Numbers Are Adding Up In Our Favor"

The Florida senator predicted a win in his home state but is way behind in the polls.

"This state will elect 99 delegates to one person and I want it to be me and I need you to help it to be me," said Rubio.

Rival Ted Cruz may have his best shot at winning in Illinois where the latest CBS News Battleground tracker has the Texas Senator within striking distance of Trump.

"We welcome you with open arms because only one campaign has beaten Donald Trump," said Cruz.

Click here to read more about Campaign 2016.

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