The Missouri primary, which was non-binding and will be followed by caucuses in the state on March 17, where the delegates will actually be chosen, saw a huge win for Santorum with 55.2 percent of the vote. Romney came in with 25.3 percent followed by Ron Paul with 12.2 percent. Gingrich did not make it onto Missouri's ballot, refusing to pay the state's fees to be entered into the contest, since no delegates were at stake.
Minnesota became the first state in which Romney did not finish in first or second place. Santorum won with 45 percent of the vote, followed by Paul, who earned 27.1 percent. Romney placed third with a mere 16.9 percent, while Gingrich received 10.8 percent.
Despite what looks on the surface like a huge win for the socially conservative Santorum, the non-binding elections will not have a major effect on the Republican National Convention. These three states also suffered from low voter turnout, probably because no delegates were officially awarded from these votes. However, Santorum's wins highlight Romney's lack of popularity with conservatives and raises doubts that he can win over the GOP's base, which could pose a problem in the general election against President Obama. Since many Republicans will likely vote for whichever candidate is selected to be the Republican nominee, it may not be a problem.
Though Paul failed to win any of the three states, and is to date the only major candidate who has not won a state, he will gain delegates after these caucuses and primaries, which will give him a better chance at the convention.
