If I had been asked that question I'm not sure I would have said I strongly favor Santorum. Much would have depended on the exact wording. I have concerns about Santorum, but the same is true of the entire Republican field, and I would almost certainly vote for Gingrich if he were to become the nominee.
What **IS** interesting about the poll is the fervent dedication by Gingrich supporters compared to Ron Paul supporters. I'm very surprised by that. Either lots of Paulbots are having second thoughts (good!) or Newt Gingrich has managed to generate more enthusiasm among his people than Ron Paul, which is wonderful if true.
“On average, 50 percent of Romney voters and 49 percent of Santorum’s say they strongly favor their candidate... 58 percent of Gingrich's backers and 53 percent of Paul's, on average, say they strongly favor their candidate. Analysts say higher percentages of devoted supporters are common with candidates whose lesser backing leaves them with only the most committed followers.”
You saw the same thing I did. I know that the GOP-e saw it too.
My GUESS is that the true Paulbots got surprised and disappointed to find out that Paul and Romney are close (and their wives as well). They know what Romney's record is and it is NOT consistent with what RP seems to stand for.
I'd love to see Paul in charge of all financial matters and nothing else and I had been convinced that he was one of very few genuine politicians even though I disagree with half of his policy (or more).
I couldn't figure out why he never attacked Romney and when I heard the story that he had cut a deal with Romney for Rand to be VP, I found the accusation to be believable.
I despise Romney and will never trust or support anyone who cuts a deal with him. Maybe the Paulbots now feel that way too. I hope so and I hope they figure the one person who has a record of cutting DC power and the slime bags running it from the shadows way back is Newt.