for Romney in South Carolina ? His record in Massachusetts -- 85 % His Mormon faith -- 13 % His role at Bain Capital -- 2 % Now that Romney wants the GOP presidential nomination again , he has moved to the right from some of his positions and the tone of his previous campaigns in the state . And that has fed the perception that Romney is willing to change his stands for political expediency . Ironically , Romney 's continued defense of the Massachusetts health care reform law he helped enact as governor remains a stumbling block with some conservatives who would rather he repent on that issue . `` The two big issues that stick out to me regarding his record are his flip-flopping on abortion which many voters in South Carolina do n't understand , and of course his signing of ` Romney-care , ' '' said one South Carolina insider . `` As a result , many do n't trust him and wonder if he will simply say anything in order to win the election . '' And while Gingrich maintains that he 's the logical alternative for conservatives , the former House Speaker 's
-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- As South Carolina Republicans begin voting in the first primary of the south today , GOP insiders say that all the candidates have had their problems in Palmetto State , one reason why today 's outcome has been so hard to predict . One veteran South Carolina GOP operative summed up the dilemma of many of his colleagues in the state who are still on the fence . `` For the first time in my professional life I am not working for a candidate and undecided on whom I will vote for . My heart says one thing , my mind says another . '' According to a CNN survey of 46 South Carolina GOP insiders -- including state legislators , state and local party officials , business and conservative interest group leaders , veterans of previous presidential primary campaigns , Palmetto State GOP political consultants , and other party activists -- former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 's biggest hurdles in South Carolina are his Massachusetts political roots and his more centrist views . Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich calls Romney a `` Massachusetts moderate . '' What do you think has been the biggest obstacle