Palin Is Most Popular GOP Figure, Romney Comes In Second: Poll

Sarah Palin is the most popular figure in the GOP, according to a Pew Research Center poll released on Wednesday.

The poll surveyed leading GOP politicians' favorability among both Republicans and the general public. Palin took the lead in terms of popularity within the party, with 73% of Republicans giving her a favorable rating.

Among the general public, however, Palin was found to be a particularly polarizing figure. The Alaska governor's rating among all voters was split nearly in half: 45% favorable versus 44% unfavorable.

According to the poll, Mitt Romney is the second-most popular GOP figure. He received a 57% favorability rating among Republicans and among the general public, a 40% rating. Overall, Romney's ratings are an improvement over last year on nearly every front, meaning he's gotten more popular since his presidential bid ended.

The other GOP figures in the survey did not fare as well as Palin and Romney. Newt Gingrich had a 55% favorability rating among Republicans and a 22% unfavorable rating. Michael Steele, meanwhile, had only a 28% favorability rating. A full 58% of Republicans said they do not know enough about the RNC chairman to register an opinion.

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Comments

[DiogenesOfAlaska]

OMG

She still has a 45% favorable approval rating among all voters.

WHAT IS THIS?

I'll be damned.

[stylenease]

Yes, it's called a "pervasive air of stupidity clouded by religous zealotry, that pervades vast populations of modern day, American society".

[2008CaliforniaFan]

I'd like to see Hays Research, from AK, who did the last Poll on her popularity come out with a new poll.

See what Alaskans think. It was about 54% last time and dropping like a lead balloon. And that was BEFORE the Letterman fiasco. The ADN comments have been brutal for 2 weeks.

[grammy11]

I think a lot of those that voted in favor are actually Obama supporters that want her to run.

[easarsfield]

All in favor of starting a third party if Obama isn't able to push through significant healthcare reform?

It's funny how the President can decide to wage war with oh, say Iraq or Afghanistan. It would be even better if he could take our country to war against the insurance companies.

[the964kid]

The wars in Iraq & Afghanistan were already happening for 7+ years - maybe you missed that.

[easarsfield]

I was referring to the actions of our previous president and not the current one.

[OKF]

IN!!!

[BPCentrisAmerican]

Maybe the GOP can run Tina Fey, she's smarter and the base won't know the difference.

[scotia626]

you are sooooooooooo right

[BPCentrisAmerican]

Anny Okly and Gumby, one dosen't read and the other doesn't take a position on anything.

[ubmaddotcom]

How so VERY TRUE!

[mmgbizgirl]

So sad.

[Tulka2]

Both of these candidates will have a very good chance if the Obama administration blows real health care reform.

(Just saying. I don't like it.)

[jazzman]

Yep and that's scary but true.

[Mugzi]

That is hard to believe

[VTL]

Best news I've heard all day.

Democrats would pay to have this twit run in 2012.

[mcamp52]

Wow. That's the best the GOP has? Priceless.

[ThatOne4Me]

self-destructive party

[ericmiami]

I predict Sarah will dump Todd and become Mitt's plural wife. An unbeatable combination, considering the polygamist vote.

[dwright]

Mitt/Palin run em - please run them - talk about a set of flip floppers, magic underwear and voodoo. Please please run them

[ThatOne4Me]

Mittens can't stand Palin. and Palin won't take a back seat, as VP again.

But we can still hold out up for a Mitt/Palin ticket :-)

[Talstinan]

Please, oh please, let it be Palin.

[TullyMars]

Sarah will be the last one standing, especially if she is no longer the governor of Alaska in 2012. Republicans will not be able to put a Mormon on the ticket...and we all will get another treat of watching the Palin Machine in action. Obama will win again in another landslide!

[mcamp52]

Just like the cock roaches will out survive humans, Sarah will be the last cock roach standing.

[myworld]

Who ever is NEXT will be a sacrificial lamb.Bring on Palin

[tomasedison]

Looks like its gonna be Mitt in 2012 !

[pbziegler]

She's perfect as the face of the Republican Party. Guaranteed to get 35% of the popular vote--the same folks who watch Faux News and would vote for Bush if he ran again. The rest of us--and I am amazed to find myself in the majority--would vote for just about anyone else. And if its Obama even though he's sometimes a disappointment, he will get the other 65% of the votes without effort. Bring her on Repos. She's fun to watch.