It seems former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is well ahead in the state of New Hampshire, according to the latest poll released by WMUR.
The poll shows the former Massachusetts governor leading by a wide margin. Mr. Romney garners the support of nearly 41 percent of Republican voters. Texas Republican Ron Paul is in second place, garnering support from 17 percent of voters. Former Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Rick Santorum and former Utah Republican Governor Jon Huntsman are tied with 11 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is in fourth place with 8 percent of the vote. Texas Republican Governor Rick Perry, former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer, and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann each received just one percent of the vote.
The poll is the latest survey to come out of New Hampshire. State pollsters have released a number of polls in recent days, providing politico with insight ahead Tuesday Republican presidential primary. In a statement released along with the poll results, pollsters noted that the race remains far from decided.
“All of the candidates behind Romney have a good chance finishing anywhere between second and fifth place,” said Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center. “New Hampshire voters historically have made up their minds in the final days before the election and campaign activities in the final days matter, but this will be harder for Gingrich and Santorum as they are not running ads in the campaign’s final days.”
The poll reflects a fluid race for the 2012 nomination. Mr. Santorum, who secured a second place finish in Tuesday’s Iowa caucus, has surged to third place in recent days, the latest indication that momentum may be driving supporters in the Granite state. Meanwhile, growing support for Mr. Paul’s campaign may allow the Texas Republican to extend his campaign well beyond New Hampshire. In a statement released Sunday, the Texas Republican said he will bypass Florida, instead focusing his resources on securing a victory in Nevada.
