The Republican horserace has seen a series of frontrunners whose gains have been propelled by changing support from those GOP voters who identify with the Tea Party. These days, the frontrunner is businessman Herman Cain. In this week’s Economist/YouGov Poll, he leads with 33% support, up seven points since his emergence as the GOP leader last week.
Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney continues to hold about one in five Republican voters, but Texas Governor Rick Perry, once the frontrunner, supported by just 10%. Perry led the field as recently as a few weeks ago. Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, once the Tea Party favorite, now gets the votes of just 3%. Romney’s endorsement by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was a popular choice before he took himself out of the race, came too late to have any effect on this week’s results.
Cain gets the support of 50% of GOP voters who identify with the Tea Party — and that group makes up 42% of all Republican voters. Tea Partiers are especially happy with the candidate choices they have this year. Cain also does well with men. 36% of male GOP voters choose Cain, compared with 30% of female GOP voters.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
