Romney faces battle for Deep South vote

The former Massachusetts governor holds a commanding lead in delegates to the national convention in Tampa, Florida, in August. He is facing, however, tough challenges in the two southern states from rivals Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich.

Deeply conservative Republican voters have been slow to embrace Mr Romney, believing him too moderate on social issues like abortion and gay marriage. This is a particular problem in the South, where he has yet to win a primary.

However, if Mr Romney wins he stands a better chance of becoming president, with a steep drop in Barack Obama’s approval ratings, as petrol prices climb and turmoil builds in the Middle East.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 46 per cent of those surveyed approve the way the president is handling his job, and 50 per cent disapproving. Another poll found 41 per cent approval, and 47 per cent disapproval.

Mr Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, is banking on a strong showing to keep his candidacy alive. Mr Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, is labouring to prove his claim that Mr Romney – who is way ahead in the delegate count – cannot secure enough support among the powerful religious right lobby in the Republican Party.