Romney is the Maine man in Republican poll

Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, has won the state of Maine’s primary caucuses in the race to become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee.

Romney picked up 39 percent of votes in this non-binding contest.

He was closely followed in second place by the libertarian-minded Texas congressman, Ron Paul, who won 36 percent.

The 76-year-old Paul said he was encouraged by the result and described it as a virtual tie.

Rick Santorum, a social conservative, won 18 percent, whilst former house speaker Newt Gingrich came in last with 6 percent.

The Republican Party is holding a series of primaries and caucuses to choose a candidate to take on Barack Obama in November’s election.

The next votes will be held on February 28th in Arizona and Michigan.

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