GOP Voters Look Ahead To Possible 2012 Presidential Candidates

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – The midterm elections just ended, but voters are already thinking about the 2012 presidential race.

Political analysts said the Republican sweep on November 2 proved people across the nation were not happy with President Barack Obama's agenda, and that makes him vulnerable in 2012. Many GOP leaders are wondering who could oust him from office. According to a new survey, three former governors are at the top of the list.

Rasmussen Reports conducted a national telephone survey of likely GOP primary voters. When asked who they would vote for if the primary were held today, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney gained 20 percent of the vote. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas and Sarah Palin of Alaska were a close second, both getting 19 percent of the vote.

Romney and Palin tied among male Republican voters, while Huckabee had a slight edge among female voters.

Rasmussen Reports also asked about other possible GOP candidates. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich received 13 percent of the vote, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty gained six percent, Texas Congressman Ron Paul had five percent and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels received three percent. Seven percent prefer some other candidate, and eight percent are undecided.

Read the Rasmussen Reports survey.