PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Coming off victories in two southern states, Rick Santorum is also riding high in his home state of Pennsylvania.

A new poll shows Santorum as the favorite to win the April 24 Pennsylvania primary.

And the ongoing Republican race means Republican voters in this state just may get a meaningful vote.

So, Rick Santorum or Mitt Romney, KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano asked random voters in Market Square.

“Mitt Romney,” one man said. “He seems like he knows a little bit more out there.”

“Mitt Romney, absolutely,” added female voter. “I like his work ethic.”

“Mitt Romney,” another male voter said. “I just think he appeals to more people, the independent voters.”

While that non-scientific sample found little primary support for Santorum over Romney, the latest Quinnipiac poll has no such reservations, giving Santorum a 14-point lead over Romney in the Republican primary with Santorum at 36 percent, Romney at 22 percent, Ron Paul at 12 percent, Newt Gingrich at 8 percent, and nearly a quarter of Republicans undecided.

Turns out Santorum is a stronger opponent in this state against President Obama, according to same poll.

While Obama beats Romney, Paul, and Gingrich by five or more points, Santorum holds the president nearly even, 44 percent to the president’s 45 percent.

So ask folks, Rick Santorum or Barack Obama?

“Anybody but Barack Obama in my mind,” a voter said. “I don’t think he’s a very good president.”

But not everyone agrees.

“Obama, the least of the evils,” another voter said. “I hate to say it being from western Pennsylvania, but Santorum is a scary dude.”

Santorum lost this state by more than 17 points against Bob Casey six years ago.

But apparently, some voters are taking a second look at him.

This year — in his own party, at least — Santorum is polling very well among Tea Party members, white evangelical Christians and Republican women.

The Pennsylvania primary is just six weeks away.

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