Romney up in (another) new poll

By Matt Viser, Globe Staff

WASHINGTON – Former Governor Mitt Romney leads in yet another national poll, with 24 percent of likely Republican primary voters picking him as their presidential nominee.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is running second (with 19 percent), followed by former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (17 percent) and former House speaker Newt Gingrich (11 percent). None of the other candidates broke into double-digits in the poll, which was conducted last week by Rasmussen Reports.

Palin leads among Tea Party members, with 28 percent, while Romney was favored among non-Tea Party members, with 32 percent.

Palin and Huckabee lead with evangelical Christians, while Romney carried other protestants, Catholics, and those of other religions. Romney also lead among married and unmarried voters, but Palin had a slight lead among those with children living with them.

Romney, Palin, and Huckbee essentially had a three-way tie among voters who describe themselves as very conservative. But among those who describe themselves as somewhat conservative and moderate/liberal preferred Romney.

The poll, which surveyed 1,000 likely primary voters, had a margin of error of 3 percent.

Romney has consistently led in recent polls, including a straw poll conducted on Saturday by New Hampshire Republicans. Much of the polling this early is based on name recognition, and none of the potential contenders have announced a presidential bid.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com.