ST. PAUL, Minn. -- While the focus of the Republican presidential nomination race is currently on Florida, Minnesota may become the next battleground state.
Mitt Romney is currently leading polls to win Florida. However, with a race that has been full of surprises, Minnesota's caucus on February 7 may really help narrow down the candidates, according to republican strategist Ben Golnik.
Golnik worked for John McCain in the last presidential election. He said Florida sealed the nomination for McCain in 2008 but that may not be the case this time around.
"People will be looking toward Minnesota to see where they're at in this race for the presidency," he said.
Rick Santorum is already in the state. He skipped Florida entirely but will be in Luverne Monday night. Ron Paul's campaign has also arrived in the form of TV ads. Mitt Romney is expected to visit Minnesota next week.
A new NBC poll show Romney is leading by 15 points over Gingrich. However, a win in Minnesota for Romney challengers could change the game yet again.
"It certainly helps in terms of momentum if Rick Santorum or Newt Gingrich can get a win here they will certainly use that as an argument that hey their candidacy is still alive and well," Golnik said.
Golnik said Romney will likely take Minnesota. Nevada and Colorado are also high stakes states coming up. Romney is expected to sweep both states.
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