Posted on 02/02/2011 3:17:24 PM PST by FTJM
Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) currently leads the pack of rumored Republican presidential hopefuls in his home state of South Carolina — a crucial early primary contest for the GOP.
New numbers out Tuesday from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling found DeMint leading among Republicans in South Carolina with 24 percent support.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came in just behind DeMint at 20 percent, followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at 17 percent and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at 12 percent. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) garnered just 10 percent support.
DeMint has stirred some presidential speculation given his close ties to and popularity among the Tea Party movement, and while the senator is heading to Iowa in March to keynote a conservative event, he has shown next to no interest publicly in a 2012 presidential run.
A DeMint adviser recently said the South Carolina senator hasn't completely ruled out a bid, but asked in an interview last week by CNN's Wolf Blitzer if he was thinking about a run next year, DeMint answered in one word: "No."
As for the poll, DeMint's support in the state comes mostly at the expense of Huckabee. Without DeMint in the equation, Huckabee leads with 26 percent, followed by Romney at 20 percent.
Pollster Tom Jensen also noted that support for Gingrich in the state has dropped fairly significantly since a Public Policy survey from last spring found him leading in South Carolina.
The poll surveyed 559 South Carolina Republican voters and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 4.1 percentage points.
Seems like if anyone would be ahead in the polls here, this should be the guy. He will probably out poll the GOP candidate after they win.
Actually, I really do like Sen. DeMint. I would certainly hope that he would poll favorably in his own home state. Even if he isn't interested in running.
Holy image size, Batman
“Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee came in just behind DeMint at 20 percent, followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney at 17 percent and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at 12 percent”
What is WRONG with people? Did they poll democrats?
;)
loud and proud...DeMint for President.
Conservatives come in first with 32%. The problem is that the conservative vote is split between DeMint and Palin.
So far, I like Jim DeMint best of all the prospective candidates - including Sarah Palin. I hope he decides to run.
I’m disappointed Romney and Huckabee are back in the running after 2008. 2008 was a dismal field; I had hoped to move on.
:)
I actually read his book, "Why We Whisper." It certainly sounded like he at least thought about running at one point.
B U M P
President DeMint !!! I like how it sounds : - )
I am not the one you have to convince...
Romney?
Why on God’s Green Earth is this RINO still getting traction with Republicans?
Just me, saving you from yourselves. No thanks necessary :)
I am fully convinced that the only reason we have to hear about Myth and the Huckster is because the media bubble they live in has convinced them they are viable. I just cannot see any way these two hacks gain any traction in the new Tea Party era. The first round of debates will destroy both men.
Go DeMint.
DeMint!
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