Polls Have Mitt Romney Ahead in Mississippi and Tied in Alabama Ahead of Tuesday’s Primaries

In the days leading to the Tuesday primaries in the deep South in Mississippi and Alabama, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is doing surprising well in the Heart of Dixie. According to the most recent Rasmussen poll in Mississippi its, Romney 35%, Santorum 27%, Gingrich 27%, Paul 6%. Its almost hard to believe that Romney, who has never had a grit in his life, is leading by 8 against the Conservative candidate Santorum and  the so-called Southern candidate Gingrich.

Dead heat in the Heart of Dixie … And in the deep South of Alabama it is a virtual tie between Romney, Gingrich and Santorum. According to Rasmussen its Gingrich 30%, Santorum 29%, Romney 28%, Paul 7%. The “dead heat” in Alabama might be even more eye opening. Although, if Romney makes any more ignorant comments like campaigning in MS and AL is “an away game” he might see a blow out on primary eve. Mitt might want to understand that if he wins the GOP nomination and faces Obama in the general election it is states in the South that will be the “home field” and one’s like Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts will be hostile territory.

A poll by the Center for Leadership and Public Policy at Alabama State University found Mr. Romney with 20.2% support among likely Republican primary voters, virtually tied with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 20.7% of the vote. Former Sen. Rick Santorum was close behind with 16.6% among Republicans in Alabama, which will hold its primary on Tuesday along with Mississippi and Hawaii. Other candidates, including Rep. Ron Paul, received 15.1%. The poll’s error margin is five percentage points.

Many voters — 27.4% — remained undecided. But the poll’s finding was still a notably strong showing for Mr. Romney because the more-conservative, evangelical-heavy South has been considered more hospitable to Messrs. Gingrich and Santorum, who are competing to be recognized as the principal alternative to the Massachusetts Governor. Mr. Romney in a Thursday campaign appearance downplayed expectations in Alabama and Mississippi by comparing the region’s contest to “an away game.’’

Newt Gingrich has stated that he won’t quit GOP presidential race if he loses Tuesday in Mississippi and Alabama. Really Newt, why? You have been mouthing off that Santorum should quit to make it a one on one match up between yourself and Romney. However, Newt has called himself the “Southern” candidate. Sorry, but if you cannot win Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi … you most likely are receiving no Southern comfort.

We shall see what happens next Tuesday.