In Michigan the one state Governor Mitt Romney ought to dominate, Senator Rick Santorum is still leading and now in Mormon dominated Arizona, he finds himself in a statistical tie according to a poll released Monday. The poll conducted by Public Polling Policy of voters in Arizona shows Mr. Romney leading with 36 percent of the votes with Mr. Santorum on his heels at 33 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich came in third with 16 percent, followed by Texas congressman Doctor Ron Paul at 9 percent.
In an apparent reversal of surrogate spin, Governor Romney’s camp has begun to downplay the importance of his home state, where Senator Santorum still maintains a lead. Governor Romney’s inability to connect with rank and file republicans is becoming a festering concern among senior establishment power brokers, prior to the release of Mondays poll, several high ranking party elders had already remarked off the record, that the process of drawing up contingency protocols, should Governor Romney fail to garner enough delegates by convention time in August had begun in earnest.
The poll also found an endorsement from Sheriff Joe Arpaio or the States Governor, Jan Brewer could provide a significant boost with 32 percent of the voter’s surveyed saying they would vote for a candidate endorsed by Sheriff Arpaio and 25 percent voting for a candidate endorsed by Governor Brewer.
Governor Brewer’s testy in your face finger pointing toward the President of the United States a few weeks back both delighted and excited tea party faithful and birthers to such a degree, her endorsement is now seen as second only to Joe Arpaio among the states rank and file republican voter.
The poll was unable to factor in Romney’s standing among conservative family values Christian’s in light of the scandal engulfing his former campaign co-chair Paul Babeu, The Pinal county sheriff faces multiple allegations the most serious thus far being use of his office, to threaten his ex-gay lover with deportation if the young man refused to promise in writing not to disclose their years long illicit relationship.
Arizona has unexpectedly become pivotal in the race for the GOP nomination, which makes the CNN primary debate scheduled for this Wednesday a high stakes event for the candidates and voters.
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