Rick Santorum on Tuesday became the first presidential candidate to visit the Inland Northwest, just as national polls showed him at the top of the Republican field. In response to questions from reporters after a speech, Santorum downplayed the polls, noting that he had de-emphasized the same polls in recent weeks when they showed him behind. “We just have to earn it one state at a time,” he said. He added, however, that the boost “has helped us in fundraising.” Santorum, a former Pennsylvania senator, spoke for about 35 minutes and answered audience questions for an hour more at the Hagadone Events Center in Coeur d’Alene. About 600 packed the room, and police turned away dozens of cars/Jonathan Brunt, SR. More here. (Jesse Tinsley SR photo: Santorum, right, with Hagadone Hospitality partner Jerry Jaeger in Coeur d'Alene)

• Candidate visits Coeur d'Alene as popularity rises/Alecia Warren, Press
• Presidential hopeful Santorum woos conservatives in Boise/Dan Popkey, Statesman
• Poll: Ohio latest Super Tuesday state to show Santorum surge/The Hill

Question: Will Mitt Romney attract the enthusiastic Idaho crowds that Rick Santorum did, when Romney comes to Boise Friday?