Mitt Romney Surging in Polls in Ohio … Romney Now Up Big in Rasmussen National Poll 40% to Santorum’s 24%

What a difference a couple of primary wins in Michigan and Arizona make. There has been a huge shift in the polls.

According to the most recent Rasmussen poll, Romney is up 16 points with 40% of the vote over second place Santorum at 24%. Just a couple of weeks ago it was Santorum 39%, Romney 27%.  Romney is on a roll.

In Ohio, the Rasmussen poll is basically a dead heat with Santorum holding a slim lead over Romney of 33% to 31%. However, the trending is all on the side of Romney. Ohio will prove to be an important primary state on Super Tuesday and if Romney is victorious, the GOP presidential race just might be over.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Primary Voters in Ohio, taken last night, shows former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum attracting 33% of the vote and Mitt Romney earning 31%. That’s a significant tightening of the race. Two weeks ago,  Santorum led Romney by 18 percentage points.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is now in third place with 15% of the vote, and Texas Congressman Ron Paul runs last with 11% support. Two percent (2%) prefer another candidate, and eight percent (8%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)