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Ten states vote in the Republican presidential primary Tuesday, and a couple interesting things could happen -- like that Ron Paul might actually win something. There are exciting possible outcomes for each candidate except Newt Gingrich, who hinted he might only win his homestate. Our guide to what to watch for on Super Tuesday.
Ron Paul Actually Wins Something
Scenario: Paul thinks he has a shot in the caucuses in Idaho, North Dakota, and Alaska, calling them "fertile political fields" and "our three best chances," Politico's James Hohmann reports. Paul hasn't won a single state so far, and just eight delegates. His goal has been to have enough delegates to influence the nominee at the convention.
Likelihood: It's hard to say. There hasn't been polling in any of these three states. Romney had a very big and enthusiastic rally in Idaho Falls last week, though Paul did better than usual in neighboring Washington's caucuses Saturday. He came in second.
How long we have to wait to find out if it happened: Sigh, forever! Polls close in Idaho at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. eastern time. The results in Alaska aren't expected till 2 a.m.
Santorum Loses Almost Everywhere
Scenario: Santorum wins only Oklahoma. Santorum has slumped in polls, The New York Times' Nate Silver writes, noting that big leads in Ohio and Tennessee have disappeared, and he's lost so much support in Georgia he might not get any delegates out of it. He hasn't been able to do as well in caucus states since his big wins in Colorado and Minnesota. "Without a burst of voter enthusiasm in those states, his relatively weak organization could harm him, possibly leaving Ron Paul as the major rival to Mr. Romney in them instead," Silver writes.