Feb. 2 (Bloomberg) -- Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is leading Arizona Senator John McCain and Texas Representative Ron Paul in the nonbinding Maine Republican presidential caucuses.

With about half the vote counted, Romney has 53 percent to 22 percent for McCain and 19 percent for Paul, according to the Associated Press. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee has 5 percent, AP said.

``The numbers right now are leaning toward Governor Romney,'' said Scott Kauffman, vice chair of Maine's Republican Party.

A win would give Romney a political boost heading into Super Tuesday on Feb. 5, when more than 20 states hold their contests.

No delegates are awarded by the Maine caucuses, which are in effect a preference poll of Maine voters. Voters today are picking participants in the party's state convention in May, where delegates to the national convention will be selected. The balloting today is nonbinding for the state's 21 delegates.

The only Republican candidate to spend time campaigning in Maine this year was Paul. Tagg Romney, one of Romney's sons, spent yesterday and today attending caucuses in Maine.

To contact the reporter on this story: Nadine Elsibai in Washington at nelsibai@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: February 2, 2008 19:54 EST