Rasmussen poll shows Perry leads by double-digits in Iowa

Texas Gov. Rick Perry is not only surging across the nation, but is leading the first-in-the-nation caucus state. A new poll by Rasmussen Reports indicates that Perry is now closing in on 30 percent support, with his nearest opponent more than 10 points behind.

Rasmussen polled those likely to participate in the Iowa Republican Caucus by telephone, finding that Perry is currently the activists’ first choice with 29 percent. U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are essentially tied for second place with 18 percent, while U.S. Rep. Ron Paul holds 14 percent. No other candidates rose above the 5 percent mark.

One month ago, prior to Perry officially joining the race, Bachmann and Romney were Iowa frontrunners, Paul was third and Perry ranked fourth.

The telephone survey, conducted on Aug. 31, polled 862 likely Iowa Republican caucus-goers, and has a 3 point margin of error.

The poll found that Perry has 45 percent support among those who self-identify as part of the tea party movement, and that Romney holds a slight 20 to 24 percent lead among those who do not.

Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that only 27 percent of all likely Iowa caucus attendees reported being certain of who they would support. As Rasmussen states, “That leaves plenty of room for opinions to shift, particularly if new candidates enter the race.”