Romney performs particularly well in the West, say political observers. In 2008, he won contests in Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah.
His “diverse regional base” also includes the Northeast and Midwest, says Larry Sabato, professor of politics at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. In 2008, Romney won in Maine, Massachusetts, and Michigan, where his father was governor in the 1960s.
When it comes to voting groups, Romney can count on the backing of many Mormons, not an insignificant contingent in the GOP, says Mr. Sabato. Business leaders are a strong support as well, because of Romney’s personal and professional ties, says Pitney.
