A new CNN poll showed a major jump for former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney in the network’s polling of the Republican race nationally — their new numbers show Romney at 34 percent, with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich second all the way back at 18. A month ago, the two men were tied at 28 percent. Tied for third with 15 are Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum. The rest of the field is in single digits.
It may be because the electability argument seems to be turning some national Republicans. Romney gets a 55 percent majority of Republicans when asked which candidate in the field gives the party the best shot to beat Obama, and 71 percent of Republican voters in the poll say that’s their top criterion for a nominee.
The current TPM Poll Average of the national Republican race shows Romney with a 15.4 percent lead.
