This really isn't news, I'll admit. Romney is heavily favored to win in New Hampshire, having finished a disappointing second to John McCain in 2008. And the survey wasn't even very scientific.
But Ron Paul garnering 11% and Tim Pawlenty coming in ahead of Sarah Palin? If these are outliers, they suggest a very confused picture in the Granite State. The Note:
The "straw poll" was open only to the 426 registered members of the Republican committee, and 65 percent of those commitee members participated.The take away: Romney's still the solid frontrunner here, but there's plenty of room for another Republican to break through here. Pawlenty's showing was also impressive, given how new he is to the scene. He has, however, been working New Hampshire, as have his suporters.
The Republican committee members were also asked to pick the issue that was the "most important for the Republican nominee to focus upon":
Reducing the size of the federal government: 49 percent
Reducing the size of federal debt/deficit 15 percent
Stimulating the economy to create jobs; 14 percent
Repealing health care: 7 percent
Michelle Bachmann polled twice as strongly as Mike Huckabee while Herman Cain outpolled Giuliani and Pence.
Those polled represent the spear point of the ground game for any candidate who wants to compete in New Hampshire. They tend to make their minds up early and can supply not only troops, but sources of cash as well.
The poll itself might be unimportant. But there is significance to be found in the relative strength and weakness of candidates with this vital group.
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