With a number of wins in his belt, Rick Santorum is riding a crest of popularity.

According to Public Policy Polling, the former Pennsylvania senator 'has opened up a wide lead' in the organization's national poll. He's at 38 percent, and behind him is Mitt Romney at 23. Former speaker of the House  Newt Gingrich is at 17 and  13 percent for Rep. for Ron Paul.

There are two reasons for such high numbers. Santorum is popular with Republicans and he's not Romney or Gingrich.

'Part of the reason for Santorum's surge is his own high level of popularity. 64 percent of voters see him favorably to only 22 percent with a negative one. But the other, and maybe more important, reason is that Republicans are significantly souring on both Romney and Gingrich.'

This uptick in polling comes after some significant Republican primary wins. In early January, he won a photo finish in Iowa. This week he swept contests in Minnesota, Missouri and Colorado.

Out of all the Republican candidates, Santorum has the most striking anti-LGBT record. He's against gay marriage and civil unions. Wants a return of the military policy Don't Ask, Don't Tell, and he immediately put his name on a pledge sponsored by the National Organization for Marriage. If elected to the White House, the senator promises to support a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and to create a presidential commission to 'investigate harassment of traditional marriage supporters.'

While the wind is at his back right now, this is the 2012 GOP election season. One constant is a front runner always comes back to the pack. Rep. Michele Bachmann, former CEO Herman Cain, Gov. Rick Perry, and Gingrich all enjoyed their temporary spots in the sun.

'Santorum's support isn't that solid and when Romney uses his superior resources to pulverize him, we could see this lead evaporate just as quickly as it was built up,' said Public Policy. 'But for now there's been a stunning reversal in the race and Santorum's your new leader.'