Former Senator Rick Santorum has reignited his bid for the American Republican presidential nomination by winning in three state primaries and caucuses.
Victories in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado on Tuesday put him in prime position to become the next main challenger to former Massachussets governor Mitt Romney.
Mr Romney, who won three of the first five nominating contests, came second with 25%.
Texas Congressman Ron Paul was third with 12%. Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich was not on the ballot there.
Deutsche Welle Radio reports Mr Santorum is seen as the favorite for evangelical Christians and social conservatives. He says his conservative views make him the best candidate to face President Barack Obama.
He also led voting in Minnesota with 45%, followed by Mr Paul with 27%, Mr Romney with 17% and Mr Gingrich with 11%.
Deutsche Welle Radio says the victory could force a reshuffle in the Republican pecking order.
The campaign for the nomination now enters a lull until ''Super Tuesday'' on 6 March, when voters cast their ballots in 11 states.
The eventual winner faces President Obama in a federal election on 6 November.
