Public Policy Poll: Bachmann Edges Ahead of Romney

Rep. Michele Bachmann has edged into the lead for the GOP nomination for president in the latest Public Policy Polling survey of Republican primary voters. The Minnesota congresswoman now tops former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 21 to 20 percent.

Other announced and potential challengers are far behind Bachmann and Romney. Texas Gov. Rick Perry grabs 12 percent, followed by Herman Cain with 11 percent, Ron Paul with 9 percent, Newt Gingrich with 7 percent, Tim Pawlenty with 5 percent, and Jon Huntsman with 3 percent.

Romney does best with centrist Republicans, while Bachmann’s strength lies with conservative voters. And introducing former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin into the mix pushes Bachmann’s numbers back. With Palin in the race, Romney leads with 20 percent, followed by 16 percent for Bachmann and 12 percent for Palin. However, just 29 percent think Palin should enter the race.

In a race between Bachmann and Romney, Bachmann would lead 44 to 41 percent. In such a scenario, Bachmann would pick up the support of Cain, Paul, and Perry backers while Romney would get supporters of Gingrich, Huntsman, and Pawlenty.