Poll: Bachmann Closing In on Romney in NH

Mitt Romney is still the GOP's front-runner in New Hampshire, but Michele Bachmann has captured the momentum, according to Public Policy Polling. The Tea Party candidate has gained 14 points since April, and is now supported by 18% of voters polled, just seven points behind Romney. He has dropped 12 points since the April poll and is backed by 25% of those surveyed. Sarah Palin is third with 11%, Ron Paul has 9%, Rick Perry and Herman Cain are tied at 7%, and Jon Huntsman and Tim Pawlenty stand at 6% support.

Bachmann has the Tea Party to thank for her surge in support, pollsters note. She's leading with 25% of voters who identify themselves as Tea Party supporters, although those constituents make up only a third of Republican primary voters in New Hampshire. The biggest loser, Romney aside, is Newt Gingrich, the poll found. He's now in ninth place with 4% supporting him after being tied for second place in the April poll with 14% support. (More Michele Bachmann 2012 stories.)