Survey: Santorum May Pick Up Two States in Today's GOP Contests

By Stephanie Samuel, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Presidential contender Rick Santorum may still have a chance at winning the Minnesota and Missouri caucuses and picking up delegates in Colorado, a Public Policy Polling (PPP) survey shows.

According to the survey, 29 percent of Republican Minnesotans support Santorum ahead of the Tuesday caucuses. Mitt Romney garnered 27 percent of support, while Newt Gingrich earned 22 percent.

The poll also shows Santorum with a 13-point lead over Romney in Missouri and a second place showing in Colorado.

The survey, combined with recent endorsements from several Minnesota state senators and state GOP officials, has given the Santorum campaign a confidence boost. Santorum told FOX News Sunday that he believes the race is "moving in a very different direction."

Of all the candidates, Santorum has the least delegates (11), compared to Romney's strong 100-delegate lead.

Yet a recent Washington Post-ABC poll revealed that Romney still struggles to identify with the majority of Americans. According to the poll, registered voters said they would vote for President Barack Obama over Romney by a 51-45 percent margin if the general election were held this month.

Romney's campaign officials dismissed the poll because the survey question was preceded by questions about the Massachusetts governor's wealth and work with Bain Capital.

Christian conservative leader Tony Perkins also asserted that the Republican Party, once largely hesitance to embrace Romney, is now "warming" to him.

Still Romney remains a target among left-wing pundits for his misstatements about the poor and his failed attempts to align with average workers.

While Romney is supported by GOP heavy-hitters South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Santorum is heralded among the party's social conservative base.

If Santorum wins Missouri and Minnesota, he will be on equal footing with Romney who has won three primary contests.

The Romney camp has taken this threat seriously, launching attacks against former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum's past use of earmarks.