Posted on 03/01/2007 9:38:22 AM PST by CNS
CNSNews.com) - In the first of at least two 2008 presidential straw polls scheduled for release this week, members of the conservative Citizens United have thrown their support behind non-candidate Newt Gingrich.
The unscientific poll of more than 2,500 of the group's members found that 31 percent would vote for the former House Speaker if the 2008 Republican presidential nomination were held today. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani ranked second with 25 percent of the vote.
As Cybercast News Service previously reported, Gingrich has been critical of politicians announcing their candidacy nearly two years before the general election. He has said he will announce his intentions in September, less than 6 months before the first presidential primaries.
"The conservative movement is thirsty for a leader with Ronald Reagan's vision, passion and unique ability to convey what is great about America," CU President David Bossie said in a release announcing the results. "We want someone who inspires us."
Bossie said the poll "suggests that if he were to enter the presidential race, Newt Gingrich could be the heir to President Reagan whom conservatives are looking for."
The straw poll results come while a similar poll is being conducted at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), the annual gathering of conservative activists taking place in Washington, D.C. Results from that poll will be released Saturday evening.
Gingrich and Giuliani dominated the field of 13 candidates, together gathering more than half of all support. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney came in third place with 10 percent of the votes. Arizona Sen. John McCain came in fourth with 8 percent.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnsnews.com ...
Why what a shock to see this....one heck of a smart man and a true pub.
Interesting, since Citizens United is more of a mixed group than a strictly Conservative group.
Newt still going strong.......
Now if we could just convince him to toss his hat in the ring. He would punk slap Giuliani or McCain in the primaries.
I am a big Duncan Hunter supporter, that said Newt is my number 2 choice.
I'm a conservative that does. Not sure about his electability though.
Is Newt any more electable than the frog the DemocRATS nominated in 2004?
He should have been the head of the RNC, however the stupid party thought otherwise.
Same here.
Someone Ping me when Rick Perry is suggested for VP. We a starting a grass root charge to recall his RINO rear.
Newt would make a good Cheheyesque Executive VP. But is he electable to anything higher?
68% of FReepers approve of Newt over Rudy.
Yes, I'd vote for Newt. He has a vision I mostly agree with, he has a detailed program and he is a proven leader who can actually accomplish things.
Let me know how I can help in recalling Gov Goodhair.
It's Newt all the way for me.
I like Newt, but his unfavorable ratings among Republicans are quite high.
It is interesting that so many conservatives and freepers are supporting candidates who either: a) haven't announced; b) are unlikely to announce; and c) can't win.
So far, for me, its Hunter or Gingrich.
I'm kinda lukewarm toward Mr. Gingrich, but he is at least a cut above the usual suspects.
Still weighing Mr. Hunter though.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.