Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is continuing a strong showing in recent polling on the 2016 GOP presidential field, taking 25 percent in a poll of likely Iowa caucus-goers — about twice as high as his closest would-be rival.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky was next at 13 percent, followed by retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee at 11 percent apiece and 10 percent for former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, according to the Quinnipiac poll released Wednesday.
Mr. Walker also led a national poll on potential 2016 contenders released Tuesday by the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling.
“Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is taking the Republican political world by storm,” said Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Peter A. Brown. “He’s gone from being unknown outside Wisconsin to the hot candidate, poised to become the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination. Front-runner status would make it easier for Gov. Walker to raise money and recruit top talent for his staff, but it also puts a target on his back.”
Mr. Walker delivered a well-received performance at GOP Rep. Steve King’s “Iowa Freedom Summit” last month, and is viewed favorably by 57 percent of likely caucus-goers, compared to 7 percent who view him unfavorably.
Further down in the poll, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas was at 5 percent and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania were at 4 percent apiece.
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was at 3 percent and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal was at 2 percent.
Majorities also had favorable views of Mr. Huckabee, Mr. Carson, Mr. Paul, Mr. Perry, and Mr. Santorum. Mr. Huckabee won Iowa in 2008 and Mr. Santorum won the state in 2012.
Strong pluralities also had positive views of Mr. Rubio (48 percent favorable/15 percent unfavorable), Mr. Cruz (46 percent/19 percent), and Mr. Jindal (41 percent/9 percent).
They were divided, however on Mr. Bush (41 percent/40 percent), and a majority — 54 percent to 30 percent — had an unfavorable view of Mr. Christie.
Twenty-six percent said they would definitely not support Mr. Bush for the Republican nomination, and 26 percent said the same for Mr. Christie.
The survey of 623 likely Iowa Republican caucus participants was taken Feb. 16-23 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percent.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.