Satisfaction with the Republican presidential field has jumped to 65 percent among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents. Texas Gov. Rick Perry is significantly outpacing rivals in his bid for the 2012 nomination, significantly diminishing the prospects of Rep. Michele Bachmann, a new
Washington Post-ABCs New poll showed.
Just five months ago, there was great concern among Republicans about the strength of the field vying to take on President Barack Obama. At that time, just 43 percent expressed satisfaction with the candidates. That number began inching up as more entered the race and now stands at 65 percent, the poll showed.
Perry’s quick ascendance results partly from strong tea party support. Republicans now view him as the best candidate to beat Obama, a position that Mitt Romney formerly held. Among Republicans and GOP-leaning independents, Perry leads Romney 27 percent to 22 percent. Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is at 14 percent: Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, at 8 percent; and Bachmann, 6 percent.
Perry’s emergence has cut sharply into support for Bachmann, whose campaign is now at risk. Her supporters have been halved. She was the top vote-getter among strong tea party supporters in mid-July, but she has slipped to fourth place among these Republicans in the new poll, the Post reported.
Her support has gone from 21 percent to 1 percent among those identifying themselves as “very conservative” Republicans, and she has slid from 13 to 3 percent among rank-and-file Republicans.
Both Perry and Romney are about even among registered voters in a match-up with Obama. Romney beats Obama 49 to 45 percent, and Perry, 47 to 46, the Post reported.
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