Romney Wins GOP Caucuses in Nevada

How They Won: Poll Results and Analysis

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney won the GOP caucuses in Nevada Saturday by a wide margin, his third early contest victory.

It was a lonely win, though, since Romney's rivals have been concentrating their efforts on the concurrent primary in South Carolina: a state that has consistently foretold the Republican nomination since 1980.

"Today, the people of Nevada voted for change in Washington. For far too long, our leaders have promised to take the action necessary to build a stronger America," Romney said in a released statement following his victory.

Exit polls conducted by the Associated Press and TV Networks show that one-fifth of the Republican caucus-goers were Mormons, who overwhelmingly supported Romney, who has been active in the religion since childhood.

Nevada Republicans said the economy and illegal immigration were the largest problems facing the country.

Romney turned his attention to Nevada after his primary win in Michigan on Tuesday. Only his Republican rival, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, paid attention to the state as well and ran advertisements. Nevada has seven more Republican delegates than South Carolina, but less party history and prestige.

A Las Vegas Review-Journal poll released Friday showed Romney with a comfortable lead in Nevada, garnering 34 percent of the vote to 19 percent for Sen. John McCain of Arizona and 13 percent for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Romney took a campaign break Friday to appear on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

This marks the first year Nevada has held its caucuses so early, pushed in part by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who hoped early voting in his home state could help his party capitalize on their growing appeal amongst Western voters.

Nevada Republican caucus-goers cast ballots for the candidate of their choice and had to register 30 days in advance to participate.

From NPR Staff Reports and the Associated Press