Mitt Romney Leads Rick Santorum in Illinois Rasmussen Poll

On Tuesday, Republicans in Barack Obamas backyard will have their say as Illinois holds its presidential primaries.

A poll of likely Republican primary voters released by Rasmussen Reports on Friday finds Mitt Romney with a solid lead in the Land of Lincoln. Romney takes 41 percent in the poll followed by Rick Santorum with 32 percent, Newt Gingrich with 14 percent and Ron Paul lagging behind with 7 percent.

While Obama is an overwhelming favorite to carry his home state in November, Illinois will have a large role in Tampa when the Republicans meet there in August for the convention -- and 69 delegates to boot.

The poll of 750 likely Illinois Republican primary voters was taken March 15 and had a margin of error of +/- 4 percent.