Poll: Santorum leads Tennessee, throwing Gingrich’s Southern strategy into doubt

A new poll finds Rick Santorum leading in Tennessee, a concerning sign for both Mitt Romney, who hoped the former senator’s bubble would be short-lived, and Newt Gingrich, who is counting on a Super Tuesday sweep of Southern states to help him claw back into the race for the Republican nomination.

Santorum drew 34 percent of likely Republican voters, versus 27 percent for Romney. Gingrich polled third in the state with 16 percent — a disappointing number for a state that borders Georgia, which he represented for 20 years in Congress, and just 3 points higher than Ron Paul. Just 9 percent of Tennessee voters described themselves as undecided.

The news is particularly troubling for the former Speaker, who has seen his support among strong conservatives defect to Santorum’s campaign. Santorum pulled 36 percent of self-identified Republicans, versus 28 percent of those who identify as part of the GOP going for Romney. Gingrich only polled 28 percent of self-identified Republicans.

Among Tea Party voters, Santorum pulls nearly double Gingrich’s support, leading 40 percent to 21 percent. Romney only narrowly trails Gingrich now among Tea Party voters, grabbing 17 percent on his own.

Other core constituencies that used to buoy Gingrich — such as men — are also now leaning toward Santorum. Santorum is the choice of 3 in 10 men, versus 23 percent who pick Romney and 18 percent for Gingrich.

Tennessee will vote March 6, along with nine other Super Tuesday states, and will award 58 delegates to the GOP convention.

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