Romney's Strategy May Backfire in Iowa, SC

Speculation is arising that Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, the clear front-runner until Rick Perry entered the race, is essentially bypassing the Iowa and South Carolina caucus/primary states to focus on the more winnable New Hampshire.

So far Romney hasn’t spent much time in either of the two more difficult states, as The Hill reports.

"He obviously has the national appeal, the fundraising apparatus. He certainly would be a formidable candidate if he makes it through the primary,” Rep. Tim Scott, R-S.C., emcee of several town hall meetings for the presidential aspirants, told the news service. “But I'm not sure he thinks he can win South Carolina."

Romney hasn't appeared at a town hall meeting yet, but is taking steps toward doing so. "I think Romney can win South Carolina, he's just got to put in the effort," Scott said.

As for Iowa, "He's got to come and campaign aggressively,” said GOP Gov. Terry Branstad.

“He made a mistake by not participating in the straw poll. If he gets blown out in Iowa, I think he's in real trouble," Branstad added.