Yesterday the latest Iowa Caucus Poll was released by Rasmussen. It shows the former Godfather’s Pizza CEO, Herman Cain, leading the Republican field. Out of 800 likely Republican Caucus participants Cain had 28%. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was seven points behind at 21%. Texas Congressman Ron Paul was a distant third at 10%. Former Speaker Newt Gingrich has 9%, Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman has 8%, Texas Governor Rick Perry has 7%, Former Senator Rick Santorum has 4%, and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has 2%. 8% are undecided.
Cain has taken a well-deserved beating this week, and while the Phoenix has risen once I highly doubt he can do so again. He has been caught saying one thing to one group and the opposite thing to another. He “misspoke” regarding negotiating with terrorists. He said he was both anti-abortion and pro-choice. Since he doesn’t have a record what are we supposed to believe?
The rest of the field has dumped on his 9-9-9 plan, rightly pointing out it will raise taxes on lower and middle class families, and adds another revenue stream (sales tax). He says phase 2 will be the implementation of the Fair Tax, but there is no guarantee that will be implemented and we could find ourselves with both an income tax and sales tax that can be raised… Europe anyone? Under the pressure he’s already been forced to tweak his plan.
The magic number in this poll is 32%. Only one-third of respondents say that their support is firm. Ask Congresswoman Bachmann and Governor Perry about what soft support will do to you. Don’t be surprised to see a different frontrunner next time the poll is released.
