polipizza

MSNBC poll shows Romney gaining more ground (up over Huckabee); Thompson’s efforts paying off too

The latest MSNBC poll now has Romney ahead over Huckabee, with Thompson’s hard campaign over the last week showing traction – whereas the previous poll showed him far behind with little momentum.

McClatchy MCNBC Poll (12/26 – 12/28)
Margin of error +/- 5

Romney 27%
Huckabee 23%
Thompson 14%
McCain 13%
Paul 5%
Giuliani 5%

Of particular interest to me is that Romney is doing better, apparently, among evangelical christians – gaining 8 points since early December.  The swing in the vote to Romney is simultaneous to the decline in support for Huckabee, suggesting that Romney is convincing more christians to support his candidacy.

Another plus for Romney is his high favorability ratings among Republicans who consider he has more experience and a better chance to win in November than any of the other candidates.

The polling data also reflects the hard campaigning that Thompson has done over the last couple of weeks.  Why Thompson did not get started sooner in Iowa is anyone’s guess, but his success in Iowa could very well come at the expense of John McCain.  This could have the effect of slowing down McCain in New Hampshire.

Last footnote, Paul looks as if he could surpass Giuliani.  A dead-to-last place finish for Giuliani could really damage his campaign in other states.  Already – many user groups are talking about him switching to a 3rd party bid (a real long shot).  Such talk is draining away his support within the Rebublican Party.

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