WASHINGTON, USA (AFP) — White House hopeful Rick Santorum has opened an eight-point lead over presumptive frontrunner Mitt Romney among likely Republican voters nationwide, a new poll showed Sunday.

Thirty-six per cent of those surveyed said they supported the Christian conservative, while 28 per cent said they preferred the former Massachusetts governor, according to the latest results from Gallup's daily tracking poll.

Less than a week ago, Romney was leading Santorum, a former US senator from Pennsylvania, by two points, putting the two candidates in a statistical tie.

Former House speaker Newt Gingrich trails the two leaders with 13 per cent, while veteran libertarian Texas congressman Ron Paul was not far behind with 11 per cent, the poll showed.

Santorum — who surprised Romney with wins in nominating contests earlier this month in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado — is now trying to maintain his momentum for the February 28 primary in Michigan, Romney's home turf.

The Gallup poll was conducted from last Tuesday through Saturday among about 1,200 likely Republican voters. The margin of error is plus or minus four per centage points.

In late August the Republicans will confirm their candidate to face Democrat Barack Obama in the November 6 presidential election.

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