Romney leads in Nevada caucuses

Feb 5 2012

Republican presidential front-runner Mitt Romney has jumped to a strong lead in the Nevada caucuses, reaching for a second straight campaign victory over a field of rivals suddenly struggling to keep pace.

Returns from three of the state's 17 counties showed the former Massachusetts governor gaining 41% of the vote in a state where fellow Mormons turned out in heavy numbers.

Former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich was running second with 27%, while Texas Rep Ron Paul had 16% and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum was close behind with 15%.

A victory for Romney would cap a week that began with a double-digit win in the Florida primary.