Poll says Romney has work to do ahead of Illinois primary

Washington, Mar.12 (ANI): Though Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney is slightly ahead of GOP rival Rick Santorum, 35 percent to 31 percent, his campaign is aware that he has a lot of work to do to win the March 20 Illinois GOP primary.

A new Chicago Tribune/WGN-TV poll shows that Romney is, however, ahead of former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich (12 percent) and Texas Representative Ron Paul (seven percent).

Another 16 percent are undecided, the Los Angeles Times reports.

There's room for movement ahead of Illinois primary. About 46 percent of voters said they could still change their minds before the election.

The survey of 600 confirmed registered voters likely to vote in the Illinois Republican primary was conducted Wednesday through Friday, prior to Santorum winning Kansas' GOP caucuses.

Illinois Republican primary voters view Romney and Santorum very favorably, while voters are almost evenly divided in their feelings toward former House Speaker Gingrich and more have an unfavorable view of Paul than not.

Six in 10 GOP primary voters viewed Romney favorably, while 19 percent looked at him unfavorably. Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, was considered favorably by 54 percent of primary voters, while 17 percent had an unfavorable view.

While the poll shows a great deal of volatility among Illinois Republicans, the results also could play to Romney's strengths. (ANI)