Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Romney's Lead Dips Despite Wins

Despite his strong showing in early state contests in the race for the U.S. Republican presidential nomination, Mitt Romney's support nationwide has dipped slightly during the past month, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.

Romney was backed by 29 percent of Republican voters in the telephone poll conducted Feb. 2-6, down from 30 percent in a survey in early January.

The former Massachusetts governor's three rivals in the race to oppose Democratic President Barack Obama in November were in a virtual tie for second, the poll showed. The gaps between the three were within the poll's margin of error.

Texas Rep. Ron Paul's support grew by 5 percentage points to 21 percent, moving him into second place and ahead of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, whose support slipped to 19 percent from 20 percent.

Support for former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum also rose by 5 points to reach 18 percent, putting him just behind Gingrich, according to the poll.

The results suggest Romney — despite his vast advantages in organization, fundraising and momentum after victories in New Hampshire, Florida and Nevada — still has many doubters among Republicans nationwide.

"He still hasn't really convinced all the Republicans across the country that he's the guy to get behind," said Chris Jackson, research director for Ipsos public affairs.

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