Romney Grabs 7-Point Lead in Wisconsin

Mitt Romney leads Rick Santorum 40% to 33% in Wisconsin, according to a new NBC News-Marist poll. Ron Paul follows in third with 11% and Newt Gingrich is last with 8%. Romney leads the way with moderate and liberal Republicans, conservatives, and those earning more than $75,000 per year. Santorum, however, leads with very conservative voters, evangelical Christians, and Tea Party supporters.

But looking ahead, Wisconsin does not look nearly as good for Romney in the general election; he trails President Obama there 52% to 35% among registered voters, with 13% undecided. Obama's overall approval rating in Wisconsin is at 50%, and 52% of people in the state think the worst of the economic downturn is in the past. As for Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who faces a recall, both his approval rating and his disapproval rating stand at 48%. (More Mitt Romney stories.)