Latest poll shows Santorum with 21-point lead in Tennessee

A new poll shows Rick Santorum with a commanding double-digit lead in Tennessee days before that state's Super Tuesday primary.

According to the latest survey from Middle Tennessee State University, Santorum is the choice of 40 percent of likely voters, versus 19 percent for Mitt Romney, 13 percent for Newt Gingrich and 11 percent for Ron Paul.

“Tennessee appears to be heading into Santorum’s Super Tuesday column,” said Jason Reineke, an assistant professor in the college’s School of Journalism and the MTSU poll’s associate director, in a statement.

Still, the survey was completed before Tuesday's Michigan and Arizona primaries, which could provide a boost to Mitt Romney's showing. Nevertheless, the lead is discouraging - especially for Gingrich, whose continued relevance in the campaign is predicated on a strong showing in Southern states.

Interestingly, Tennessee voters showed little support for the Tea Party movement. Santorum has found a base among Tea Party conservatives skeptical of Romney in prior contests. Yet less than a quarter — 24 percent — say that their opinion of the Tea Party is "favorable," while nearly as many — 22 percent — say their view is "not favorable."

Tennessee will award 58 delegates in Tuesday's contest, more than any state that has voted thus far. Only Georgia and Ohio will have more delegates available for capture in the March 6 contests.

This article was updated at 10:00 am.

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