A newly released American Research Group poll finds former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum leading former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney in the state of Michigan, the latest poll to show Mr. Santorum surging.
Mr. Santorum leads the Michigan Republican presidential primary with 33 percent, followed by Mr. Romney with 27 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich trials with 21 percent, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul is in last place with 12 percent.
According to ARG, Mr. Santorum leads Mr. Gingrich 42 percent to 24 percent among self-identified Republicans, followed by Mr. Romney with 18 percent and Mr. Paul with 11 percent. Among self-identified independents and Democrats, Romney leads with 48%, followed by Paul with 15%, Gingrich with 13%, and Santorum with 11%.
The poll is the latest to find Mr. Santorum leading in the state of Michigan. The Pennsylvania Republican has seen a surge of support following his surprise victories in Missouri, Minnesota, and Colorado. Since then, the former U.S. senator has raised upwards of $3 million from donors, and is widely seen as the alternative to former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
The latest ARG poll results are likely to leave the Romney campaign reeling. Mr. Romney, who has attempted to dissuade critics in recent weeks, has watched his status as the Republican front-runner quickly dissipate.
According to ARG, Mr. Santorum leads Mr. Romney 36 percent to 25 percent among likely Republican primary voters saying they will definitely vote in the March 6 primary, followed by Mr. Gingrich with 21 percent and Mr. Paul with 11 percent. Mr. Romney leads Mr. Santorum 33 percent to 22 percent among those saying they will probably vote, followed by Mr. Gingrich with 20 percent and Mr. Paul with 17 percent.
Mr. Santorum leads with 37 percent among likely Republican primary voters saying they are supporters of the Tea Party, followed by Mr. Gingrich with 29 percent, Mr. Romney with 17 percent, and Mr. Paul with 11 percent. Among likely primary voters saying they are not supporters of the Tea Party or are undecided about the Tea Party, Mr. Romney leads with 35 percent, followed by Mr. Santorum with 30 percent, Mr. Gingrich with 14 percent, and Mr. Paul with 13 percent.
