NEW POLL SHOWS SANTORUM GAINING ON ROMNEY IN AZ

posted by Andrea Kelly

The latest Arizona poll on the Republican Presidential primary shows Mitt Romney holds a smaller lead on Rick Santorum than other recent polls indicated.

Public Policy Polling released a poll today showing the two are within the margin of error with Romney taking 36 percent of the respondents' support to Santorum's 33 percent. Newt Gingrich is in a distant third place and Ron Paul in fourth. The survey was conducted Feb. 17 through 19, and includes responses from 412 "likely primary voters."

Last week American Research Group published the results of its latest Arizona poll conducted with 600 likely primary voters in late January. It showed Romney with 38 percent of the poll votes. Santorum had 31 percent.

Also last week, Rasmussen Reports released a poll of 750 likely Republican primary voters who weighed in that 39 percent of them would vote for Romney, to Santorum's 31 percent.

In recent weeks, Santorum has gained popularity after winning the caucuses in Minnesota, Colorado and Missouri, and Santorum leads Romney in polling in Michigan, which votes Feb. 28. the same day as Arizonans.

IS GAY REVELATION BABEU'S BABYLON?

posted by Michael Chihak

Pundits are calling Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu a longshot in the Congressional District 4 race after revelations about his lifestyle.

Babeu, a Republican in his first term as sheriff, acknowledged that he is gay, after a story in the Phoenix New Times said Babeu had threatened to have his ex-lover deported if the man revealed their relationship. Babeu denied the threat claim in a statement and at a lengthy news conference on Saturday.

Opponents are already saying the revelation makes Babeu unfit for a seat in Congress. The Huffington Post in a followup posting today said the news could bring to an end what many had seen as a bright future for Babeu.

Arizona Public Media political correspondent Christopher Conover will discuss the facts and potential future for Babeu in an interview with Arizona Illustrated host Tony Paniagua tonight at 6:30 on PBS-HD6.