Mike Huckabee,  Mitt Romney,  Sarah Palin

Poll Watch: Sarah Palin Leads 2012 GOP Presidential Field – Mike Huckabee Second

Sarah Palin Samaritan Purse

Governor Sarah Palin during her visit with the Samaritans Purse relief effort in rural Alaskan villages (Feb. 20, 2009).

The latest CNN poll is out and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is leading but within the margin of error with former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee.

The Poll (The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey was conducted February 18-19, with 429 Republicans questioned by telephone, sampling error = 4.5%):

  • Sarah Palin – 29%
  • Mike Huckabee – 26%
  • Mitt Romney – 21%
  • Bobby Jindal – 9%
  • Someone Else – 10%

Among Republican women, however, Sarah Palin is the clear winner.

“Among GOP men, the same pattern emerges — no clear advantage for Palin, Huckabee or Romney. But among Republican women, it’s a different story. Palin has a 10-point edge among Republican women, winning 32 percent support among them to 22 percent for Huckabee and 20 percent for Romney,” adds Holland. “With the sampling error, that’s not enough to say for sure that Palin is in the lead, but it does indicate that if the primaries were held tomorrow, Palin would have a good chance of being the favorite among GOP women.”

With GOP Presidential primary schedule set to remain the same, Flap anticipates a battle royal in Iowa and South Carolina between Palin and Huckabee.

But, it is very early.


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3 Comments

  • Sal

    I think it’s still early, but Sarah will trounce Huckabee. Her debating skills shouldn’t be underestimated, and I think she gets an early lead just from debate performances.

    Of course it all depends on who actually ends up running.

  • Dennis

    This poll illustrates the weakness of the Republican field at this time.There is no way that Palin or Huckabee can win a national election for President. It also demonstrates the grip the religious right has on this party. Unless the party opens up to moderates, it has no chance to take back the White House ( e.g. I would direct you to the comments by Senator Cornyn of Texas at Politico.com in which he said that the Republicans have to nominate moderate candidates for the Senate in several states to win back Senate seats ).

  • Flap

    I don’t write off Sarah Palin for a run for President. But, 2012 may be too early for her. When she wins re-election as Governor of Alaska and/or a U.S. Senate seat she will have added to her resume of experience.

    Although she is pro-life, Dennis, I believe she has governed Alaska as more of a populist than wingnut Huckabee.

    So, this leaves Huckabee and Romney for the next race.

    Betwen the two I’ll hold my nose and vote for Romney, particularly if the economy stays weak.

    But, Obama will have to be deemed a colossal failure for any Republican to win in 2012. He is off to a good start though.