A new Fox News poll shows former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum making a move in the national Republican presidential primary race, passing former House Speaker Newt Gingrich for second place in the survey. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney remains the frontrunner with 33 percent, Santorum with 23 percent, Gingrich at 22 and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) with 15.
In a national matchup with President Obama, Romney still does the best. Obama bests Romney 47 – 42, but he crushes Santorum 50 – 38. Against Gingrich Obama prevails 51 – 38, and passes Paul 48 – 38. Fox’s analysis showed something that other polls have — Republicans are not satisfied with their current choices for president. From foxnews.com:
For the four nights of polling, voters who are part of the Tea Party movement back Gingrich (34 percent) over Santorum (28 percent) and Romney (25 percent). Paul receives the support of 9 percent of Tea Partiers. White evangelical Christians break for Santorum (31 percent) over Romney (24 percent) and Gingrich (23 percent).
Most GOP primary voters — 80 percent — think someone other than frequent frontrunner Romney could still win the Republican nomination, and over half say it’s too soon for any of the current contenders to drop out (54 percent). Moreover, nearly half would still like to see someone else jump in the race (49 percent).
The new Fox poll moves Santorum into second place in our TPM Poll Average of the national GOP race.
