Romney in decisive nomination lead

Mitt Romney charged toward the Republican US presidential nomination last night, aiming for big victories in Wisconsin and two other contests that would increase the pressure on rival Rick Santorum to drop out of the race.

Romney was leading polls in Wisconsin, Maryland and Washington DC, the latest contests in the grinding, months-long battle for the right to face Democratic President Barack Obama in the Nov 6 election.

A sweep of all three would underscore Romney’s growing strength and likely increase appeals from party leaders for Republicans to rally behind him despite deep reservations among many right-wingers suspicious about his conservative credentials.