The Rochester Business Journal asked its readership who they thought would be the the most formidable GOP candidate in the presidential election against Barack Obama in 2012. Here is their headline:
Plurality picks Romney as strongest GOP pick
November 19, 2010
A plurality of respondents to this week’s RBJ Daily Report Snap Poll say former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney would be the strongest Republican candidate in a 2012 race against President Barack Obama.
With the Republicans’ success at the polls in the midterm elections, speculation about the upcoming race and the 2012 GOP presidential nomination has intensified. So far, no leading candidate officially has announced his or her intention to seek the Republican nod.
When asked to choose among a field of potential candidates, 21 percent selected Romney. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was favored by 15 percent of respondents.
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin garnered 9 percent of the vote. And 8 percent picked former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Romney also led a recent national Gallup poll of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, with 19 percent. Palin and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee each received 16 percent. In the RBJ poll, 6 percent picked Huckabee as the strongest candidate.
More than 665 readers participated in this week’s poll, which was conducted Nov. 15 and 16.
In your opinion, who would be the strongest Republican presidential candidate in 2012?
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: 21%
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: 15%
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: 9%
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani: 8%
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia: 7%
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: 6%
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal: 6%
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush: 5%
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas: 5%
Sen.-elect Marco Rubio of Florida: 4%
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: 4%
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels: 3%
Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina: 2%
Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina: 2%
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour: 1%
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania: 1%
Indiana Rep. Mike Pence: 1%
South Dakota Sen. John Thune: 1%
(my emphasis)
To add a comment to RBJ’s article, click here.
► Jayde Wyatt
Hi Jayde! did you see my comment in the chat room about Palin’s new book saying nice things about Mitt? They are publicizing it as “JFK was no Romney” with regard to their Religion Speeches
Mitt 2012!!!
Rochester knows what’s up!
I saved my Mitt for President sign and it is in the front of my home! Go Mitt!
Hey Mitt fans. I have a serious question for you. As Sarah was a serious choice for McCain as his VP. I ask you all to give me Mitt’s choice for VP. I heard an interview with Bobby Jindal on Friday and Wow this is one smart fellow. I think he would be Gov. Romneys best person to be VP. Even more so than Palin, and I’m sorry for those Mike fans, but definately not a good match to pick Huckabee as VP.
A Romney/Rubio ticket would be exciting–this dynamic duo would be a a combination of excellent leadership skills, intelligence, integrity, decision making strengths; and needless to say, good human beings who love their family and their country. This could also increase Mitt’s Latino enthusiasm. Palin is simply out of the question. It’s hard for me to fathom that her appeal is where it is. Can you imagine her selecting a cabinet. If you look at her resume, going from one college to another and quitting her term as Governor, one year in the presidency and it would be too much for her to handle. By promoting Palin, Fox News is doing this country a terrible injustice when someone as capable as Mitt is out there. It’s all about ratings!
@Vegas Mike. I agree with you. Bobby Jindal is my pick for Mitt’s VP too. I think it needs to a person from the South. Jindal is young, conservative, and has proven himself, especially in his work during the oil spill. I really like Rubio too, but the one reason I would not want him as VP at this time is that he was just barely elected to the Senate. I don’t think it is a good idea to leave the Senate after serving for just 2 years. My second choice after Jindal is Jim DeMint.
I like Palin as a voice to promote the conservative agenda, but she is not a good choice. I don’t particularly like Huckabee, and since he seems to harbor ill will towards Mitt, I don’t think they would work together well.