Here's a pattern that may be of interest to TFL readers: On Super Tuesday, Ron Paul broke double digits in four states. Part of this might simply be because the field is smaller. On the other hand, the early primaries were more jump-balls, without a clear front-runner, which McCain has become since FL.

Perhaps more interesting is that Paul bested 10% in northern tier states, and did worst in southern tier states on Super Tues. He achieved double digits in MN, ND, MT, AK, and nowhere else.

Paul's support was worst in the southern states of GA, AL, OK, along with MA, which is no surprise. Throw out the convention format in WV, and UT as a kind of Mormon pride vote for Romney, who got 90% there.

Implication? Perhaps none. But it could be that the "leave me alone" attitude is stronger in colder, more isolated places.

-RC