IA PrimR: Public Policy Polling: Paul actually takes the lead

[Mr. Morden]

Santorum's +20 on favorability, 52% favorable and 32% unfavorable, which is a better margin than any other candidate, though Bachmann is close behind at +18.

So Santorum might have some potential for further gains.

[Mr. Morden]

Among people who claim to have supported McCain in the 2008 caucus:

Paul 24%
Gingrich 22%
Bachmann 15%
Romney 14%
Perry 8%
Huntsman 6%
Santorum 1%

Amusing, given the vast differences between McCain and Paul on foreign policy.  But then, McCain actually did well in the 2008 primaries (at least compared to Huck and Romney) among GOP voters who opposed the Iraq War.  He was strong among voters whose party identification with the GOP was weak, just like Paul.

Most important issue:

jobs / economy:

Romney 25%
Paul 24%
Gingrich 13%

govt. spending / debt:

Paul 21%
Romney 21%
Gingrich 18%

taxes:

Perry 29%
Paul 28%
Gingrich 19%

social issues:

Santorum 29%
Paul 17%
Bachmann 15%

illegal immigration:

Gingrich 28%
Paul 21%
Santorum 15%

foreign policy / national security:

Paul 33%
Romney 13%
Perry 11%
Santorum 11%