The Feb. 28 Michigan primary once was considered a lock for Mitt Romney, who grew up in the state where his father was governor. But the tide has turned quickly in the wake of Rick Santorum’s smashing victories in Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado last week.
Two new polls give Santorum the lead over Romney in the Great Lakes State.
Public Policy Polling (PPP) calculates Santorum’s support among Michigan likely primary voters at 39 percent, compared with 24 percent for Romney, 12 percent for Ron Paul, and 11 percent for Newt Gingrich.
Meanwhile, an
American Research Group poll shows Santorum with 33 percent support, followed by Romney with 27 percent, Gingrich with 21 percent, and Ron Paul with 12 percent.
A PPP analysis of its poll pegs Santorum's ascent to his personal popularity and to Republican voters turning against Gingrich. Santorum has a 67 percent favorability rating, compared to a 23 percent unfavorable rating.
The former Pennsylvania senator also benefits from Michigan’s status as an open primary — both Democrats and independents can vote. Santorum’s lead totals 12 percentage points among true Republicans, but he leads by 19 points among the Democrats and independents who plan to vote.
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