Mitt Romney Set to Easily Win Illinois Primary

Impact

With 54 delegates at stake in the GOP Illinois Primary Election, the state is sure to be an important battleground for Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.

Santorum’s recent rise in the polls among voters in Illinois who consider themselves “very conservative” has shaken the assumption of an easy victory for Romney, although he is still expected to win the state’s primary. Romney is expected to carry 35% to 40% of the vote while Santorum has been polling consistently at 31%. However, Santorum’s failure to file for a full slate of delegates in some congressional districts may cost him some much-needed delegates.

Romney is polling well with moderate Republican voters around Chicago and surrounding counties, but Santorum has a significant advantage in the central and southern portions of the state. To gather momentum for election night, Romney gave a speech in Rockford denouncing Obamacare, and is expected to spend the night of the primary in Chicago.

Newt Gingrich is expected to gather 12% to 14% of the votes and was seen campaigning around the state last week. Texas Congressman Ron Paul’s projections currently stand at 7% to 8% of the vote in leading polls conducted in the state.

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore