WASHINGTON -- Republicans in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri will vote for presidential candidates today, and while Mitt Romney is favored to win, many conservatives appear eager to signal their unease with him by voting for Rick Santorum.
Social conservatives are particularly active in Minnesota, where one poll has Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, in a virtual tie with former Pennsylvania Sen. Santorum.
Polls are often poor predictors of caucus results, however, where attendance is a function of campaign organization and voter passion.
"Caucus attendees here tend to gravitate to the most conservative candidate," said former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, a Romney supporter. Santorum has been emphasizing family and faith, painting himself as the race's true staunch conservative.
Public Policy Polling, a Democratic survey firm, found Santorum ahead of Romney by 29 to 27 percent in its Saturday poll, and called the race a toss-up. Not far behind were Newt Gingrich, a former speaker of the House of Representatives, with 22 percent and Texas U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, at 19 percent.
Colorado's caucuses are less of a risk for Romney. He has a strong state organization and has campaigned hard there, while Gingrich and Santorum aren't as well organized there.
Missouri also votes today, albeit in a nonbinding primary that will select no delegates. They'll be selected later.
