Thirty percent of Republicans in the poll would vote for Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts, compared to 18 percent a month ago.
The poll suggests Romney has consolidated support among Republicans since winning the first nominating contest in Iowa by a slim margin last week.
He is expected to win New Hampshire's contest on Tuesday, propelling him forward in his quest to take on Obama in November.
Romney's closest rival in the national poll was Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, who had 20 percent support, down from 28 percent in December.
Obama, a Democrat, leads all of the Republican candidates in the race. Better economic data, including improved jobs figures, have helped him stay ahead of Romney in the last two months. The latest survey shows him leading by 48 percent to 43 percent.
"Obama's standing has started to improve parallel with the economy," Ipsos pollster Chris Jackson said. ...Reuters Ipsos/2 EST
With Newt in second place, apparently.
Other news (unconfirmed) has a lower than expected turnout. With possible benefits going to Ron Paul supporters. South central NH weather at this hour: "This Afternoon: Mostly sunny, with a high near 44. West wind around 9 mph." Windy, colder, and snow flurries up north -- up t' Buhlin.
