Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson was the top presidential choice among potential 2016 Republican primary voters younger than 30, according to a survey released Wednesday that also indicates the young Republican vote is up for grabs among other GOP White House hopefuls.
Mr. Carson was the choice of 10 percent of potential GOP primary voters between the ages of 18 and 29, followed by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky at 8 percent and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee at 7 percent apiece, according to the survey released Wednesday by Harvard University’s Institute of Politics.
More than a third were undecided.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the party’s 2008 vice presidential nominee, were tied at 5 percent.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was at 4 percent and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania were tied at 3 percent.
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina were at 2 percent, followed by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former New York Gov. George Pataki at 1 percent apiece.
Mr. Cruz, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Rubio are the only three major Republicans to have officially declared they are running for president, though the survey was conducted between March 18 and April 1, before Mr. Paul and Mr. Rubio announced. Mr. Cruz announced his candidacy on March 23.
Mr. Carson, Mr. Huckabee and Ms. Fiorina are expected to announce their presidential intentions next week.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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