GOP presidential race heading to Ohio

Associated Press

Updated: Feb 3, 2012 11:06 AM

CINCINNATI (AP) — By DAN SEWELL, Associated Press

Ohioans, coming soon to a luncheon, dinner, rally or meeting near you: the Republican presidential race.

With the state's March 6 primary barely a month away, campaigning will start heating up after a months-long lull. With 66 delegates at stake, Ohio is the second-largest prize among 10 states with a primary or caucus that day.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is booked for a county Republican Party's Feb.16 dinner in Cleveland, while former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is speaking Feb. 18 at the Ohio Christian Alliance in Columbus and to the county GOP in Akron. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul also will compete for Ohio delegates.

Miami University political science professor Philip Russo sees Ohio as "a big prize" and key test for Romney.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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