Gallup: Romney Loses Traction When Perry, Palin, Giuliani Factored In

Mitt Romney remains the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, according to a new poll from Gallup. But the survey shows a marked drop in support for the former Massachusetts governor when Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani are factored into the mix.

Mitt Romney still is the Republican front-runner. (Getty Images Photo)

Among announced candidates, Romney garners 27 percent support from Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann places second, with 18 percent support, and Texas Rep. Ron Paul third, with 11 percent.

But add the others into the mix, and Romney’s backing drops to 17 percent, with Perry next at 15 percent, followed by Palin at 12 percent, and Giuliani and Bachmann tied at 11 percent. Paul places sixth with 8 percent.

Romney’s status is “weaker now than a month ago,” writes Gallup’s Jeffrey Jones. But “the time for any other candidates to enter the race is running short.”