LAS VEGAS (AP) - Republican front-runner Mitt Romney cruised to victory in the Nevada caucuses Saturday night, notching a second straight triumph over a field of presidential rivals suddenly struggling to keep pace.
The former Massachusetts governor held a double-digit lead over his nearest pursuer as the totals mounted in a state where fellow Mormons accounted for roughly a quarter of all caucus-goers.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Rep. Ron Paul vied for a distant second. Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum trailed the field.
Romney's decisive win comes four days after he cruised to a double-digit victory in Florida's primary, cements his status as front-runner and leaves his rivals struggling to keep pace. Nevada was the West's first nominating contest.
The former Massachusetts governor has the advantages of cash and a strong political organization as the contest heads to states that appear friendly, including Colorado and Minnesota, which Romney won in 2008, and Michigan, where Romney grew up and his father was governor.
