But will he survive the expected Romney negative barrage?

A new poll from American Research Group ahead of the March 6 Tennessee primary suggests that Rick Santorum, has a clear margin over Romney. He’s on 34%, Mitt on 27%, Newt at 16% and Paul on 13%.

The fieldwork was all carried out after the outcomes in this week’s three state nominating contests were known and clearly he’s getting a boost.

What’s significant about Tennessee is that this was a state where Gingrich was hoping to perform well. These numbers suggest that he’s going to struggle.

One thing Santorum will be hoping for is that his latest victories make him the undisputed “Conservative” alternative to Romney who performed so badly on Tuesday particularly in two states where he had had big victories in 2008.

Another poll out today, from Pennsylvania, had Santo 30% Romney 29% Newt 13%. What was impressive here was that the fieldwork was carried out BEFORE Tuesday.

At least one national poll, from PPP. looks as though it will have Santorum.

What we haven’t seen yet is the Romney campaign response which is likely to be fierce and brutally negative. That’s how Gingrich was destroyed after his South Carolina victory and how they are likely to respond in the current situation.

Mike Smithson @MikeSmithsonOGH