POLLS:: Santorum surges among California GOP voters – San Jose Mercury News
By MB Snow at February 22, 2012 | 1:25 pm | Print
SACRAMENTO — California’s Republican voters have warmed up to the surging candidacy of Rick Santorum but also are expressing growing dissatisfaction with the field of GOP presidential candidates, according to a Field Poll released Wednesday.
The former Pennsylvania senator is preferred by 25 percent of the state’s registered Republicans, a turn-around that has come partly at the expense of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose support in the state has plunged.
Santorum was supported by just 2 percent of California GOP voters in a Field Poll taken last November. His growing popularity since then has been driven in part by those who said they identify with the tea party or classify themselves as strongly conservative.
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney remained Republicans’ top choice, getting support from 31 percent.
The survey’s timing was key. Field interviewed Republicans Feb. 2-18, a period that included Santorum victories in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado.
Just as significant as Santorum’s ascent is the growing unease among Republicans about the entire GOP presidential field.
via New Field Poll: Santorum surges among California GOP voters – San Jose Mercury News.