Romney Wins New Hampshire Republican Straw Poll
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney speaks at the New Hampshire Republican Party State Convention in Concord in September. (Reuters)
While no one has declared their presidential campaign yet, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney emerged as the winner Saturday of a New Hampshire Republican straw poll that aimed to gauge what kind of support early contenders have among the party faithful.
Romney received 35 percent support from the state party-sanctioned straw poll that was organized by ABC News and WMUR-TV.
Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who like Romney previously ran for president, came in second place with 11 percent. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who visits the state this week, had 8 percent, with 2008 vice presidential nominee former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin at 7 percent.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina each earned 5 percent.
In 2008, Romney came in second in New Hampshire's GOP primary behind eventual nominee John McCain. Romney has been leading the early polls of possible GOP contenders in 2012.
But some very prominent potential candidates didn't score so well with the New Hampshire Republicans. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich earned 3 percent of the vote as did Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Arkansas Gov. and 2008 candidate Mike Huckabee.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani got 2 percent and Donald Trump got 1 percent.
None, however, has put together the political network it would take to seek the nomination in New Hampshire.
In Iowa, which holds the earliest caucuses, Republicans have scheduled a straw poll for Aug. 13.