Romney Takes New Hampshire

That’s two in the pocket for Mitt Romney, who, as expected, won New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary without a serious challenge. Ron Paul took second place, with Rick Santorum, near-winner of the Iowa caucuses, well behind.

According to The Associated Press,“About one-third of Republican voters interviewed as they left their polling places said the most important factor in choosing a candidate was finding someone who could defeat President Barack Obama in the fall. Romney won their support overwhelmingly.”

Next it’s off to South Carolina, a state where concerns about conservatism, jobs and religion are likely to trump electability. That primary will take place next Saturday, the 21st.  —PZS

AP / Elise Amendola