By Dave Andrusko
Republican Presidential candidates at the Dartmouth debate
One thing you know for sure about polls testing voter preference among Republican presidential candidates: what’s true today might be old news by tomorrow—or more true than ever! We’re finishing this week with one more look.
Yesterday, we discussed the latest polling data that showed a number of things, but first and foremost a surge by pro-life businessman Herman Cain.
The latest NBC/Wall Street Journal poll finds that among Republican voters, Cain had assumed the top spot garnering 27%. Close behind is former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (23%) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry (16%). The reminder of the field finds Rep. Ron Paul (11%), former Speaker Newt Gingrich (8%), Rep. Michele Bachmann (5%), and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman (3%).
In addition, a CNN “Poll of Polls” –an average of the last four national surveys—found Cain trailing Romney by only 3% –23% to 20%. Perry was at 14%, Paul at 10%, Gingrich at 6%, Bachmann at 5%, and Santorum and Huntsman at 2%.
A poll released today by Gallup found Romney narrowly leading Cain among all Republicans/Republican leaners, trailing Cain among self-identified Conservative Republicans, and ahead among Moderate/Liberal Republicans.
It should be noted the poll was taken prior to this week’s candidate debate at Dartmouth.