The Republican caucus in Maine appears to be going to former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney by a landslide. Romney so far has taken over 52% of the vote, with over 70% of precincts reporting. Arizona Senator John McCain is running a distant second, with 21% of the vote. Although Maine only has 18 delegates to the Republican convention (all of which Romney won), the state may act as an indicator of sentiment in other parts of New England.
As a former governor in the area, Romney holds considerable sway in the northeastern states; a SurveyUSA poll taken on January 30 has him at 57% over 34% for McCain in Massachusetts. It may also help to build momentum going into Super Tuesday, much of which was lost during McCain’s win in Florida on January 29.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:22 am
Romney has not won all 18 delegates. This is just a preference poll and a first step in the delegate process. The delegates are non binding. Maine will have a state convention at a later date. Ron Paul won 35%+ of the delegates whom will take part in the state convention.