Rick Santorum Leading Slightly In Louisiana Poll

Rick Santorum holds a small lead in Louisiana, according to a poll released Monday by local station WWL-TV.

But ahead of the March 24 primary in the state, the poll of 515 likely Republican voters found that about a quarter, roughly the same percentage as won by Santorum, were undecided. Mitt Romney, at 21 percent, and Newt Gingrich, at 20 percent, came in a virtual tie and Ron Paul received less than 6 percent.

Many of the undecideds were women -- 34 percent of women were undecided, versus 17 percent of men -- but the candidates won almost equal support from Republican male voters, according to the poll.

Given the high number of undecideds, the outcomes in Alabama and Mississippi will almost certainly shift the race in Louisiana, possibly more in favor of Santorum should he win either or both Southern races Tuesday.

He will be there campaigning early, with plans to pack up and head to Lafayette, La., on Tuesday evening for his election night party.