No matter what happens in Iowa, some supporters are already looking toward the next test for GOP candidates, the New Hampshire primary.

NPR's Ari Shapiro reporting from the campaign trail in Des Moines Tuesday night spoke to a supporter of Mitt Romney, who was locked in a close race with GOP rivals Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul.

"I'm not really surprised," said Colleen Boyle. "Santorum's put in a lot of effort here, so it does make sense that he surged ahead in the polls."

Santorum was endorsed by two prominent Iowan Christian conservatives in December, which appeared to help his campaign, which surged in the polls in the final days before the caucuses. Santorum also was the first GOP candidate to visit all of Iowa's 99 counties.

Boyle said no matter the outcome, she was confident in Romney heading into New Hampshire's Jan. 10 primary.

"Either way, he's going to come out strong in New Hampshire," said Boyle.

The Vanderbilt University student explained her primary reason for supporting Romney: "He has the best chance of anyone to take down Obama in the general election," said Boyle. [Copyright 2012 National Public Radio]