Santorum Moving Into Position to Take Michigan, Romney's Home State

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Although Newt Gingrich has at moments articulated conservatism quite well, Santorum is the only true conservative left standing. Doubt over his ability to rise up and win this thing has been the stigma surrounding his campaign - especially when everyone but the voters have pretty much crowned Romney the nomination of the republican drive for president.

In what has been considered a make or break State for Romney, Santorum has overtaken Romney in the polls in Michigan.  Romney grew up in Michigan, and the State was considered a shoe-in for the candidate, but new polls from Republican-leaning American Research Group and the Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling both give Santorum the lead in Michigan, putting the former Pennsylvania Senator at 39 percent, ahead of the Massachusetts Governor with 24 percent, Ron Paul with 12 percent and Newt Gingrich at 11 percent.

The American Research Group poll found Santorum with 33 percent, followed by Romney at 27 percent, Gingrich at 21 percent, and Paul at 12 percent.

Coming off the three State sweep last week with Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri, Santorum has positioned himself to make this a real race, and to take over with a win in Michigan.  Santorum has indicated that in Michigan he plans to "talk about jobs and opportunities for everybody in America to rise."

Since the three State sweep, Santorum's campaign has been enthusiastic, and raised $3 million in three days following his wins last week.

Santorum has stressed his blue collar ties on the campaign trail, which plays well in the industrial Midwest and could boost his chances in Michigan.

Romney has recently started to talk about his father's time as a carpenter, which was seen as a way of showing his blue-collar ties.  However, with the leftist attacks that Romney is just another wealthy corporate guy who isn't paying his fair-share in taxes, and with a history of moderate positions as a politician, Romney is losing both conservative voters, and those who consider themselves blue-collar America.

The Michigan primary will be held on February 28, a full week before Super Tuesday where a ten State contests may make a solid determination on who may wind up being the Republican nominee.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Santorum Overtakes Romney in Michigan - The Hill

2012 Primary Schedule - 2012 Election Central