Leading Republican Mitt Romney Wins Puerto Rico Despite Growing Problems in Other Areas of Country | Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

Romney scores big win in Puerto Rico primary
Romney Wins Puerto Rico

Mitt Romney has scored a resounding win in Puerto Rico’s Republican primary, a usually overlooked contest that has given him momentum in the hotly contested White House race. With the final tally in late Sunday, the former Massachusetts governor won more than 83.4 per cent of the vote, according to the the State Elections Commission, or CEEPR, in the US territory.

His chief rival Rick Santorum stood a distant second with 7.7 per cent. Former House speaker Newt Gingrich had two per cent, just ahead of Representative Ron Paul’s 1.1 per cent.

Romney claimed victory and said he believes Puerto Ricans want a president with experience creating jobs.

“With a population larger than 22 states, this island contributes in so many ways to the vitality of our country,” he said in a statement. “Working to advance the fortunes of this island, and to better the lives of everyone living here, will be an important goal of my presidency.”