As he has in other states, Mitt Romney seems to be having a problem getting the support of a majority of the most conservative voters in Arizona as evidenced in the new CNN/Time/ORC poll of Arizona Republicans.

Of those in the survey who said they were tea party supporters, 35% said they backed Rick Santorum while 32% said they would vote for Romney. Of those who considered themselves born-again Christians, 37% said they would vote for Santorum while 28% said they would choose Romney in next week's primary.

Voters who considered themselves conservative were evenly split between Santorum, 35%, and Romney, 34%.

Arizona has a strong tea party presence.

Romney definitely faced some criticism from the several hundred attendees of a Monday meeting of the Arizona Red Mountain Tea Party group in Mesa.

"I don't like Romney because he's just like Obama as far as I'm concerned. He's acting like Obama," Walter Hall told CNN.

Though Romney has tried to emphasize his conservative credentials, Hall is not one who has been sold. Asked if he felt Romney was a true conservative, Hall said: "I don't think so. I don't think he is. I think he likes Obama's health care plan, and I'm not for it."

Of Romney, Harlean Miku, another attendee, said: "He just doesn't seem to have that personality that clicks with the people, like some of the candidates do. I think that's one thing that's getting with Santorum now. I think he's really clicking with the people and his values and everything."

Several people said they would support Santorum because they think he is more aligned with their views.

"I just think he's a good conservative, I think, and I just like his ideas and his issues," Glenda Hall said.

Dwight Holbrook and his wife both said they will also be supporting Santorum.

"I feel that he's the most conservative of all that we have to offer at this point, and I think he is more apt to be able to straighten things out from the situation we're in," Mr. Holbrook said.

Jim Goade already cast his ballot in early voting for Newt Gingrich. "I think he's the most conservative and has the most experience, could probably help the country the most." When asked if he thought Romney would have a hard time getting a lot of conservative support in the state Goade responded: "Yes. I think he's too moderate ... I think he might flip flop on us. I don't think he will hold his ground on important things."

Despite the criticisms, Romney did have some supporters in the crowd.

Floyd Hammer said he will vote for Romney, citing his family and business background. "I like some of the things, the debates have helped me a lot," Hammer said. "I like his family character. His son spoke at our tea party about two months ago, and I think he's a pretty solid man." Hammer said he's not worried about Romney not being conservative enough.

Another Romney supporter said he already voted for his candidate. "I like Mitt Romney because he's got the economic experience. I think his experience as the Governor of Massachusetts, people downplay that as a bad thing. I think it was actually a positive thing that he could things happen in a very liberal, Democratic state. The economy is a big issue this election and I think Mitt's got it hands down, knowing the best things to do that way," said David Bowman.