Former U.S. Representative Dick Armey speaks at a Tea Party panel discussion at the 2010 New Yorker Festival at DGA Theater on October 2, 2010 in New York City. (credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images the New Yorker)

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - While Mitt Romney continues to win over more conservatives — as he did in Nevada’s caucus this past Saturday — the doubts about him from prominent conservatives linger. On CNN this past Sunday, North Texas’ own, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey of Arlington had some harsh words for Romney, saying he is not a reliable, small-government conservative.

Armey also had some tough words for former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who he worked with in the House leadership. At the time, Armey criticized Gingrich as Speaker. And on Sunday, Armey said Gingrich has turned his campaign into a “first-rate vendetta” against Romney. Gingrich lost in Iowa and Florida, in part, because of negative ads Romney repeatedly played on television.

Armey is the chairman of a group called Freedom Works, which tries to elect Tea Party conservatives. But Armey said it appears they have a better chance of winning a Republican House and Senate instead of the White House. Armey did say he’d obviously prefer a Republican in the White House than a Democrat.

No doubt Gingrich is down. After winning Nevada’s caucus, Romney leads the delegate count 81 to 27 over Gingrich. Rick Santorum has 15 and Ron Paul has 6. This week, voters in Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri and Maine will have their say.

Romney leads in Maine and Colorado.

Gingrich leads in Missouri with 30 percent. Santorum is second with 28 percent, Romney third with 24 percent and Paul has 11 percent.

In Minnesota, Santorum has come out of nowhere to lead the pack with 29 percent. Romney, though, is right behind with 27 percent, Gingrich has 22 percent and Paul has 19 percent.

The only chance Gingrich may have to come back is on Super Tuesday, March 6, when Georgia and Ohio are among the states holding contests. Before then, Gingrich must focus on his message and explain to voters why supporting him would not be a wasted vote.

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