Rick Santorum's poll numbers on the rise the wake of Iowa finish, but Romney may be unbeatable in the Granite State

After a strong performance in the Iowa caucus former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum received a boost in the latest polls in the 2012 race for the Republican nomination. However, the surveys still show former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney as the clear frontrunner and firmly cemented as the favourite to win. The fierce battle for the prize of the right to face off against President Barack Obama for the White House has now switched from Iowa to New Hampshire, whose voters go to the polls on 10 January. With the exception of Texas governor Rick Perry, who has moved ahead to the next state of South Carolina, all campaigns are set to wage an intense fight in the rural New England state. The latest batch of numbers from New Hampshire show Santorum growing in support. A Zogby poll showed Santorum now on 11% in the wake of his Iowa win, up from just 3% the week before. Romney meanwhile was down three points to a still commanding 38% with Texas libertarian Ron Paul in second on 24%. (more...)