COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Mitt Romney is acknowledging that today's Republican presidential primary in South Carolina "could be real close."
The front-runner avoided a run-in with the man who's been gaining ground on him this week. Romney and Newt Gingrich had scheduled events at Tommy's Country Ham House in Greenville at about the same time this morning, but Romney showed up 45 minutes early.
Meanwhile, Rick Santorum is bracing for a setback after winning the most votes in Iowa and finishing ahead of Gingrich in New Hampshire.
Rep. Ron Paul is making plans to focus on states where his libertarian, Internet-driven message might find more of a reception with voters. His campaign says it has purchased a substantial ad buy in Nevada and Minnesota, which hold caucuses next month.
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