How Many Republican Voters Want Mitt Romney To Run For President, Again?

A majority of Republicans says Mitt’s their man, or at least, they’d like to see him try to be. Again. Who else is in the mix?…

Third time’s the charm?

A whopping 59 percent of Republican voters say they want Mitt Romney to run for president once again. The GOP presidential nominee lost to President Barack Obama in 2012, by almost five million votes, and lost the nomination in 2008 to Sen. John McCain, but Republicans still think he should get another shot. Only 26 percent think Romney should sit this one out.

Number two on the list, in the CBS News poll released Sunday, is former Florida governor Jeb Bush, coming in with 50 percent.

Former governor Mike Huckabee walked away with 40 percent of those polled hoping he runs, and 29 percent hoping he does not.

Chris Christie faired poorly, with just 29 percent of Republican voters wanting him in the race. But he can look to Sarah Palin’s numbers for consolation. 

The former GOP vice presidential nominee got 30 percent of GOP voters saying yes in the CBS poll, but the same number who want Romney in want Palin out: 59 percent.

The trailing pack includes Senator Ted Cruz: 21 percent want him in, 25 percent want him out. 

26 percent want Sen. Marco Rubio to run, 19 percent do not. And 27 percent want Sen. Rand Paul in, 34 percent want him out.

Others include Gov. Rick Perry: 21%/32%.

Gov. Bobby Jindal: 14%/20%.

Gov. Scott Walker: 22%/12%.

Former governor Rick Santorum has a steep hill to climb. Just 19 percent want him to try again, 29 percent don’t. 

Dr. Ben Carson also has a big challenge. 21% yes, 17% no.

Fortunately, one note from the poll frames the long-term chances of a Republican in the White House after Obama.

“Republicans, by a 61 to 35 percent margin, believe it’s more important to have a nominee who agrees with them on the issues than a nominee who can win the general election.”

They’ll likely get their wish.

 

Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr