- The Washington Times - Tuesday, July 28, 2015

“Riding a wave of non-stop publicity, a new poll shows mogul Donald Trump solidly in first place among 256 likely Republican primary and caucus voters nationwide,” says pollster John Zogby, who reveals that the billionaire is now in the lead with support from 20 percent of likely primary voters overall. The percentage is even higher among women voters.

Jeb Bush is in second place with 16 percent, followed by Gov. Scott Walker, Sen. Rand Paul, Ben Carson, Sen. Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Govs. Chris Christie, John Kasich and Bobby Jindal.

Mr. Bush bests Mr. Trump among all Republicans and among male voters. Mr. Trump, however, triumphs among conservatives, independents and female voters. He has a “huge lead” among women, Mr. Zogby said - 26 percent to Mr. Bush’s 10 percent, and 7 percent for Mr. Walker.

This is not the first survey which reveals Mr. Trump has appeal for women voters - support deemed crucial by analysts who have also warned that the candidate’s style might not appeal to the ladies. The findings suggest otherwise. A new Washington Post-ABC News poll also found that he leads among the GOP female demographic, garnering 23 percent of the vote, with Mr. Walker in second with 16 percent - and Mr. Bush a distant third with 8 percent.

Whether critics like it or not, Mr. Trump is still a family man, which could enhance his profile among certain groups. He has five children ranging in age from nine to 37 plus seven grand children; 10 of them were onstage with him when he declared he would run for the White House during an event at the Trump Tower in Manhattan on June 16.

“Believe it or not, Donald Trump is a family man,” observed Emily Stewart, a writer for The Street, who also wondered recently if the Trump clan was “America’s next presidential dynasty.”

Then there is the appeal to the middle-of-the road folks.

“With a campaign and persona hardly known for its moderation, Mr. Trump holds an eight-point margin over Mr. Bush among moderates at 28 percent to 20 percent, with 12 percent for Mr. Rubio,” Mr. Zogby notes.

• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.

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