Romney, Palin clear leaders for 2012 GOP presidential primary

Washington, Oct.1 (ANI): Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin are the clear leaders of the 2012 Republican presidential primary field, according to a new Gallup poll released Thursday.

Romney and Palin were the only potential candidates to earn more than 15 percent in the poll, with Mike Huckabee trailing not far behind. The three former governors were the only candidates to receive more than 10 percent, with Romney receiving 19 percent, Palin getting 16 percent and Huckabee at 12 percent.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich came in fourth in the poll, getting 9 percent, reports Politico.

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) was the only other potential candidate in the field to get more than five percent, receiving seven percent in the poll.

Both Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour each got three percent in the poll.

The survey of 906 Republicans was conducted September 25-26 with a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points. (ANI)