President 2012 GOP Poll Watch: Romney Expands National Lead to 40% Vs. 26% for Santorum Vs. 14% for Gingrich

Mitt Romney’s national support among Republican voters has surged in recent days, coincident with his decisive victory in the Illinois primary and a prominent endorsement from Jeb Bush. Romney’s support has increased to 40%, the first time a candidate has reached that level in this campaign, and his lead over Rick Santorum is back into double digits after narrowing to four percentage points on March 20.

The data are based on Gallup Daily tracking from March 18-22, an eventful time in the GOP campaign. On March 20, Romney won the Illinois primary, and he got Bush’s endorsement the next day. That same day, a Romney aide hinted the former Massachusetts governor would “reset” his positions for the general election campaign in the same manner a child would shake an “Etch-a-Sketch” toy to clear it, which again raised concerns about Romney’s issue consistency.

Romney’s current positioning could also be affected by the results of Saturday’s Louisiana primary, with polls showing Santorum leading there.

Maybe with gaffes from Romney and Santorum this week, Newt Gingrich can make another comeback?

But, it is becoming apparent that Mitt Romney will be the nominee, unless a contested or brokered convention becomes a reality.