A new poll asking various questions about President Barack Obama and presumptive GOP nominee Mitt Romney contains the usual questions (who would you vote for, who's more likeable, etc.) and questions about some very current issues (working women versus stay at home moms). But when it came to the candidates' economic plans for the economy, one answer was surprising.

Read more »

The buzz before last night's GOP presidential debate was that former Senator Rick Santorum could solidify his front runner status with a win and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney could be in big trouble if he lost. Well, Mr. Santorum didn't win and Mr. Romney didn't lose and that's about all the news that was made at debate #20.

Read more »

The most highly anticipated poll of likely Republican Iowa caucus goers is out and the most important number in it is 41. The final Des Moines Register poll before Tuesday's caucuses shows moderate Mitt Romney still unable to break out of the mid-20's after 5 years of campaigning. It also shows libertarian-leaning Ron Paul is at 22% which most believe is the best he'll ever do in any state by far. And the conservative field of Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, Rick Perry and Rick Santorum are at a combined 45%. Why is it appropriate to combine their level of support instead of simply comparing each of their poll numbers to that of the frontrunners? Because according to the poll, 41% say they could still be persuaded to support another candidate and persuasion is a large part of the Iowa caucuses.

Read more »

GOP presidential contender Rick Perry is gaining ground in Iowa. A new American Research Group poll shows the Texas governor with 13% support from likely caucus goers. That's up 8 points from the same survey last month while current front runner Newt Gingrich has dropped 5 points (27% to 22%) and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has dropped 3 (20% to 17%). Congressman Ron Paul has gained a point since November (16% then 17% now), but the majority of the Gingrich/Romney losses are definitely Perry gains.

Read more »

According to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll, former businessman and GOP presidential contender Herman Cain's favorability rating among Republicans has dropped by 9 points (from 66% to 57%) over the last week. Favorability is especially important to a candidate like Mr. Cain; a political novice who has never held any political office. With no record of accomplishments in government, his strong suit has been a perceived ability to get things done; to provide steady leadership through tough challenges. But, as this new poll shows, approximately 35 percent of Republicans surveyed believe the recent controversy has damaged that perception.

Read more »