A new Des Moines Register poll finds that Sarah Palin is an unpopular figure in Iowa — but she’s popular where it counts for the 2012 primary season, with the state’s Republican voters.
Among Iowans overall, only 37% have a favorable view of Palin, and she has an unfavorable rating of 55%. Among Republicans only, however, she’s in very good territory at 68%-24%. In a way, this is a microcosm of where she is nationally — loved by the Republican base, disliked by the overall population.
“With those kind of numbers, if she were to become a candidate, while it’s not a sure thing, she would be starting out in a very good position,” said Iowa Republican strategist David Roederer, who ran John McCain’s 2008 campaign in the state.
Barack Obama carried Iowa by 54%-45%, a swing away from a 50%-49% George W. Bush win in 2004. Palin seems to have a decent foundation for the Republican caucus, but might have trouble in the general election.