Michigan could give Mitt Romney new momentum next week after losing contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri Tuesday to former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.

Romney, native of Detroit and son of the late American Motors CEO and former Michigan Gov. George W. Romney, holds a commanding lead at 33.3 percent, as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Congressman Ron Paul and Santorum fight for second in a variety of polls, according to RealClearPolitics.

While most polls show Gingrich leading for second, a poll conducted by Mitchell Research shows Gingrich with 16 percent, while Paul and Santorum spar with 15 percent each, all well within the margin of error.

Michigan has a hybrid primary. You can learn how the Michigan primary works here.

The Wolverine State will deliver 30 delegates in its 2012 primary Tuesday.

--Brandon De Hoyos, Guide to IM

Unless something catastrophic happens between now and Tuesday, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will take the Arizona primary Feb. 14 with 2008 GOP nominee and Sen. John McCain's help in the Grand Canyon state.

Polls in the state show Romney with a clear lead ahead of the primary next week, leading former House Speaker Newt Gingrich with 44.5 percent to 16.5 percent, according to the RealClearPolitics average.

Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum could take third, according to polls. These numbers are based on questions taken through Feb. 1, however, and do not account for any bump seen in the wake of his first-place wins in Colorado, Minnesota or Missouri Tuesday.

I would not be surprised to see Santorum score a second place ticket out of Arizona, with Congressman Paul closing in third over Gingrich, who has decided to spend more time in Ohio, a contest which does not happen until Super Tuesday on March 6.

Romney has shown a decisive lead ahead of all other challengers in the state since polling began.

Of course, it doesn't hurt to have McCain's endorsement, announced Jan. 4, one day after placing second in Iowa to Santorum.

--Brandon De Hoyos, Guide to IM

While The Pine Tree State delivered a first place victory for Mitt Romney in 2008's Republican presidential contest, the Maine Caucus could go to Texas Congressman Ron Paul Saturday.

A number of analysts conclude strength in Paul's ground campaign since caucusing began January 29 may yield his first win in the nomination contest, according to The Chicago Tribune.

However, the same was said of Paul's Iowa chances, which yield a third place win as former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum surged ahead to take first place.

Polling in Maine is limited in the non-binding contest, but has consistently shown Romney ahead.  In the last Public Policy Polling poll for Maine, released last October, the former Massachusetts governor led with 24 percent, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich in second with 18 percent, Paul at 5 percent and Santorum with 2 percent.

But, given Santorum's Iowa, Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri surprises since the nomination season began Jan. 3, the winner of the Maine caucuses could be anybody.

--Brandon De Hoyos, Guide to IM

Seeking to persuade conservative voters to coalesce behind his candidacy, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney said his record demonstrates conservatism before the audience at the Conservative Political Action Conference Friday.

"I know conservatism because I have lived conservatism," Romney said, adding, "I was a severely conservative Republican governor."

From his record as governor, Romney said leaving a $2 billion surplus after inheriting a $3 budget reflects reflects on his ability to turn around a tough economy, adding that he could not wait to get to Washington to begin economic recovery on a national level.

He also said he championed reducing the size of federal bureaucracy, and would tie government employee compensation and benefits to mirror that of average Americans.

You can view live streaming coverage of CPAC on their website.

The text of Romney's speech can be read on his campaign website.

--Brandon De Hoyos, Guide to IM