December 29, 2007
Posted: 04:00 PM ET
 A new poll shows Romney up front in Iowa.

A new poll shows Romney up front in Iowa.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republican Mitt Romney has regained his lead over Mike Huckabee in Iowa, according to a new poll released Saturday — the first Hawkeye State survey in over a month to show the former Massachusetts governor in the No. 1 spot there.

According to the American Research Group poll, Romney leads Huckabee among likely Republican caucus goers by 9 percentage points, 32 percent to 23 percent. That represents a significant gain for Romney from a similar survey last week in which he registered 21 percent — then 2 points behind Huckabee. John McCain is the only other Republican to register double digits in the new poll at 11 percent.

But other recent GOP surveys have shown Huckabee in the lead. A Quad City Times poll conducted by Research 2000 released late Friday has Huckabee at 34 percent, with Romney 7 points back at 27 percent. Fred Thompson is the only other Republican to register double-digits in that poll with 11 percent.

In what seems to be more bad news for Huckabee, the poll suggests his support is the softest of any leading Republican — only 60 percent of his supporters say they will definitely choose him on caucus night. That compares to 85 percent for Romney, and 93 percent for McCain.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton holds a narrow lead over rivals Barack Obama and John Edwards. The New Yorker registers 31 percent among likely Democratic caucus goers. Obama and Edwards are both 7 points back at 24 percent. No other Democrat is in double-digits..

Other recent polls show the Democratic race in a statistical dead heat. The Quad City Times poll found Edwards and Obama at 29 percent, with Clinton at 28 percent.

The ARG poll was conducted December 26-28 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. The Quad City Times poll was conducted December 26-27 and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Iowa • Polls


fulldawg   December 31st, 2007 9:55 am ET

Yet another day, yet another poll………

jane   December 30th, 2007 7:25 pm ET

to Ed Green and those who read his bit of "Morman" theology.

The quotes I put above are there because that is how he spelled Mormon- wrong!
He also spelled Pearl wrong too! Is this who you want to learn from? He didn't even get the couplet right either and most things can look wrong without their true and full context!

If you want to know what members of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints believe- just ask one, (who ISN'T running for President!- and so should not try to be a spokesman for his personal religious beliefs) or go to Mormon.org or LDS.org. How frustrating, because of being in this role, to not be able defend his faith! GOOOOOO MITT!!!

About the REST of the Story… on the theology- what does it mean that we are to become perfect like our Father in Heaven? What if we COULD do that in this life (as we are to do the best we can to reach that goal?) What does it mean that we are to co-inherit with Jesus Christ? What did Jesus mean, that he did nothing but what he had seen his Father do? Jesus became a mortal man- right? Then what would that mean that God the Father did?

I am so PLEASED that we finally have a creditable candidate for the Presidency- Bush was the best choice we had in the last election. I don't know WHAT I will do now that McCain and Huckabee have shown their true colors! I had thought either of them might be a good running mate for Romney. NOT NOW! God bless America, we sure need it and Iowa especially!!! What a responsibility to have!

AJ, IL   December 30th, 2007 7:13 pm ET

Great another meaningless poll posts results. Unfortunately many Americans lack the capacity to think for themselves. A Hillary presidency would be so politically bogged down, virtually nothing important would get done in Congress. With a Romney presidency, I shudder to think about it. Sorry, Mormons do have some strange beliefs derived from Judo-Christian principles, from magically underwear to God being a man who ascended into divinity and that Mormon men are capable of becoming gods.

Val Davydov, Agawam, MA   December 30th, 2007 5:47 pm ET

Mary in NY,

Good to have you and welcome aboard! A lot of people are starting to open their eyes and see the true leader America so desperately desires. That leader is obviously Gov. Romney – EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP, VISION!

Paul, you said:

"He's trying to buy the Presidency." WRONG!!! Romney is offering himself to serve our country. He is willing to use his own hard-earned monetary resources as sacrifice because of his passion and love for America.

Jeff Burke,

All I can tell you, please read or listen to Romney's faith speech. Enough is enough already of this bigotry. One of the most beautiful features of America is that it guarantees "Freedom of Religion" to every single person living here. If Romney's faith is the only thing that's holding you against him, then you are pathetic – you don't even know what America stands for – FREEDOM.

Finally, congratulations to Gov. Romney on the lead. I never doubted his win in Iowa to begin with. My prediction: Romney will also win NH – the rest is history.

harry   December 30th, 2007 5:33 pm ET

Iowans are known for their good sense of judgement .Barack Obama is a nice guy no doubt but it's important that America understand that 'nice guy' isn't the only prerequisite for the White House.Sentiments apart, Hillary is the most qualified candidate.Have you carefully listened to Hillary's debate? Look at her body language! You will only see a candidate that's ready for the job and I'm happy the polls show that Iowans are in agreement

Apollo Adams   December 30th, 2007 3:48 pm ET

Vote Obama you might as well vote Republican!

We must remember that this vote in the Democratic primary is who can beat the
republican challenger.
I feel Hillary or Edwards have the best chances.Clearly Obama wont be able to win his foreign policy experience is pityful.
His speach about bombing terrorists in pakistan a few months ago is a perfect
example. Pakistan is a Nuclear armed Allie. Hello That would be a diplomatic desaster.
Also his claim of spending a couple of years in the philippines when he was 10
gave him a worldly view is a joke.
On top of that, the way he stood up and interrupted Hillary durring the debates, was not only disrespectful but shows he lacks the basic fundamentals of a good politician

jane   December 30th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Jeff Burke- You have obviously gotten your "information" (the quotes indicate it is NOT correct) about what Mormons believe from an anti Mormon source! Please- anyone who wants to know what Mormons believe- go to LDS.org or Mormon.org

Also to you others who would fault Romney for NOT being the spokesman for his religion — it seems you have lost the role a president is to fulfill. It is NOT his job to explain his faith, besides those who WANT to believe evil will "find" it where it did NOT exist- as they BRING it with them.

Even the Bible though, says it is by their "fruits" that we are to judge- look at the VALUES and his family, the people who have worked for him etc.

The presidents job is to LEAD the country- for safety for economy for freedom, the public welfare etc! To uphold the Constitution! I think personally, he is our representative to the WORLD, and I think an honest, hardworking family man, with integrity and intelligence enough to do what he has done in the business world, to turn around companies can help TURN AROUND the nose dive of the USA.

Mario   December 30th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

What is the Quad City Poll? never heard of it, is it a leftist group? To Willard, you and your 'Hiterlyites" can stay at home. No more Clintons, no more cooks, do you remember White water? oh yes, it was a saturday when it happend…

J Williamson Buffalo, NY   December 30th, 2007 10:53 am ET

Edwards can actually win this, but the focus is nearly all on Clinton/Obama. Come on media folks, you could be missing the biggest polictical story, thus far. John Edwards can win states (in the south and west) that I don't think Hillary or Obama would. Iowa Dems, please give careful thought to this – it's, after all, really about the election of Nov 2008.

jackfruit   December 30th, 2007 9:41 am ET

People in America!

Have you heard of Huckabee and McCain trying to praise each other lately?…Is there something behind these new tactics? Are they trying to make one as vice-president if one of them gets elected?

It sounded to me they're doing the "I scratch yours, you scratch mine" attitude.

Both are afraid and trembling because they know MITT ROMNEY has all the capabilities and supports, the BRAIN and the MONEY….Mitt knows we need a good leader in America and that he can turn it around for good. He is not after for money — he has lots of those.

Huckabee is crying "self-pity" on TV…accusing Romney of accusing him being a BUM…enough of his childishness!….He thinks that by crying self-pity, he will Americans feelings and have sympathy for him. We're looking on where he stands of issues not crying.

GO MITT….You have America's support.

Foxy Roxy   December 30th, 2007 6:16 am ET

Mitt Romney is passionate about America and when he talks about America you can see that twinkle in his eyes.
The WHALES (White Homosexual And Liberal Elites) are going to vote for the democrats anyway, when Al Gore wasn't talking about his movie he speaks to gay groups saying we need more gays in governement. Canada allows gay marrige and people hoped they would not here from that group anymore, now they got it taught in school and now they can adopt babies. The Whales pose as anti-war protesters and environmentalistsall attacking repulicans, because they are only concern about one thing and that is teaching kids in University hey its cool to be gay and hey your stupid if you think gay is not normal. These free protestors will be happy to work for the Hill Billy campaign.
The truth is the Hill Billy campaign is an embarassment to America, Bill flys around and bashes America and says its the repulicans and only the democrats can restore their image, Bill should fly around and say our great country is great regardless who is president instead of attacking all Americans.
Mitt Romeny is passionate about America all the time.

Jason   December 30th, 2007 4:45 am ET

I can tell you this: if Mitt Romney wins in Iowa, it only proves that the people there can't see a phony when he's right in front of them. The guy has lied and attacked his way through his entire campaign, and the sad part of that is it looks from this page that many have bought it. I can only hope people wake up and cast their vote for someone with integrity, because that man is not Mitt Romney.

Ed Greene   December 30th, 2007 3:24 am ET

PERAL OF GREAT PRICE
"AS MAN IS GOD WAS, AS GOD IS MAN SHALL BECOME"
JUST A LITTLE MORMAN THEOLOGY

Jeff Burke   December 30th, 2007 2:12 am ET

Do we really want a President who truly believes that he can become a god, get his own planet, and his wife be eternally pregnant? The Mormons also believe they will take over America one day……scary stuff.

Jon Sanderson   December 30th, 2007 12:54 am ET

It was only a matter of time before Romney regained his lead. Once people took a real look at Huck's record and got past his smooth talking, it was an easy decision to support Romney over Huckabee. You read it here first: HERE LIES MIKE HUCKABEE: BORN IN IOWA, DIED IN IOWA

Tiffany   December 30th, 2007 12:31 am ET

Go Romney!!!

Rob   December 30th, 2007 12:23 am ET

Mitt yes
Hillary no. Can't you democrats do better than this.

Dan, Bend, OR   December 30th, 2007 12:17 am ET

Just a question; if you had a scandal plagued Olympics to run and you were 350 + million dollars in the red, who would you call to fix it, Huckabee or Romney? If you had a business that was going under, who would you call, Huckabee or Romney? If you had a government that was struggling with ineptitude, inefficiency and ethical problems, who would you call, Huckabee or Romney?

I won't tell you who I would vote for because it's so ridiculously obvious anyone can figure it out.

Stan Harhut, Anchorage, Alaska   December 29th, 2007 11:59 pm ET

Hillary. Go,Gal,Go. America needs your experience, leadership and strenght. Hillary, you will be a great U.S. President (44) Your on your way, Hillary. Let me be the first to congradualate you, Ms. President Hillary R. Clinton. Chris and Tim (Mr. Disgusting and Mr. Devious) MUST REPORT IT correct and fair and for us to decide., as the fox sez.

Dixie   December 29th, 2007 11:40 pm ET

Maybe the word is getting out about Huckabee "the Huckster" and his lame immigration policy. All talk and no do makes Huckabee a bad presidential candidate.

He believes controlling illegal immigration is allowing them to touchback and come back in a day with legal status and jumping ahead of many, many other visa applicants waiting to enter the US legally. Sounds like a heck of a way to reward illegal aliens and send them on a path to citizenship he believes in.

Huckabee is a sake oil salesman. Don't believe a word of his sales pitch.

There is a lot of information about Huckabee's real position on illegal immigraion on ALIPAC – Americans for Legal Immigration website. http://www.alipac.us

K Wilkinson Texas   December 29th, 2007 11:31 pm ET

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We will not have to suffer four years with an uneducated religious bigot who can't keep up on important world affairs. I have renewed faith in Iowa for not falling for Huckabee and his smooth talking baloney!

Mitt is a superior candidate to Huckabee in every way. You'd have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to know that.

ROMNEY 2008!

xtina chicago IL   December 29th, 2007 11:28 pm ET

Mitt does have proven results, such as lowering taxes in Mass. Don't we all WANT Congress to have to make do with less so that they won't have somany earmark expenditures? Just a rhetorical question. But if you read thru the threads here, Hillary and Obama focus on EVERYTING but their past experience – maybe that's because neither has the kind of experience that shows leadership. Hillary and Obama are campaigning on all kind of negativity and useless information while candidates such as Duncan Hunter and Mitt Romney and Mayor Guiliani have success already on their side.

Greg   December 29th, 2007 11:19 pm ET

Huckabee complains about ads that distinguish him from the other candidates because he has no substance and has to run away from his actual performance as governor. Huckabee is nothing more than a pro-life, liberal democrat.

John   December 29th, 2007 10:54 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is the worst of all Candidates running. Lacks Vision, has no new ideas, almost no real passion, boring speaches, planeted questions, won't answer questions from voters, and is totally fake. I just don't get the Go Hillary Crowd.

Michael   December 29th, 2007 10:38 pm ET

Fantastic! Mitt Romney has my vote as President of the United States of America. Way to go Iowa!

Roger   December 29th, 2007 10:14 pm ET

Romney will get our country's economy blazing again. Any business he has ever touched has been fantastically profitable. He is the leader we need for President!

Hillary = Socialist = Economic Failure = Socialist = Hugo Chavez

John Siebert   December 29th, 2007 10:09 pm ET

I see you have censored my comments concerning Ron Paul. Why? Afraid of something? LOL!

SVB   December 29th, 2007 9:59 pm ET

It is relieving to see that Iowans are finaly coming back down to Earth and accepting reality. Mitt Romney should win Iowa. He is the most qualified and far more honest and real than Huckabee. No one should lose the nomination simply because of religous bigotry. Romney has the socially conservative qualities that Huckabee has and the fiscal, foreign policy, immigration and conservative policy qualities on crime that Huckabee most definately does not have. GO ROMNEY!

LeEric Anchorage AK   December 29th, 2007 9:27 pm ET

Tyler, Cincinnati, OH December 29, 2007 5:22 pm ET

Tyler said: But if I was FORCED to vote for a Republican, it would be Mitt Romney. I'm a devout Christian, but it really doesn't matter to me if the President is Christian or not, and the fact that Romney is a Mormon is actually kind of refreshing.
======================
Dude! What is it with folks that they think Mormons do not believe in Christ? I am a member of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints. I can assure you that Christ's name is in the church's name for a very good reason! That is, we believe in him, apply his atonement in our lives and worship him.
It is really easy to check and see that indeed we do believe in him. http://www.lds.org

Romney is as true as Christian as any of the rest. Please do not vote against him simply because critics have lead you to believe otherwise.

Go Romney!

Rena   December 29th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

So good Katrina: Mitt is the best qualified and exemplifies the stable, responsible and admirable characteristics that a President should. As a nation, we should be so grateful that Mitt Romeny decided to run for President considering that the media and poorly informed public will set out to crucify anyone whom they think will threaten their ability to "brainwash" the public.

Thank you. Mitt Romney, and your family for deciding to run for President – we appreciate your sacrifices. God Bless You and keep you safe, strong and focused for America.

paul   December 29th, 2007 9:05 pm ET

Looks like Romney's saturation bombing of Iowa's airwaves with ads (all paid from Mitt's personal $$$) is having an effect. He's trying to buy the Presidency. If the other campaigns had that kind of funds, maybe they would be running "comparison" ads about Mitt, showing that Boston's two daily newspapers as well as most NH newspapers have endorsed McCain. The daily newspapers of NH's two biggest cities (Concord and Manchester) explicitly rejected Romney as being a phony who changes his political beliefs (on abortion, gun control, stem cell research, gay marriage, stance on illegal immigrants, stance on Bush's 2001 tax cuts) for political convenience.

This would matter to Iowans because Boston and NH newspapers observed Mitt every day, up close when he was one-term governor of Massachusetts, the only time he held political office. I understand he's billing that as an amazing "turnaround", well, I can tell you that Massachusetts residents such as myself don't see it that way. We saw a man elected based on big promises to fix the system (I personally voted for him), but after he was given the car keys he pretty much turned his back on the job. Spent much of his time out of state making useful friends for his career, while he neglecting the criminal justice system (the Daniel Tavares case showed how broken that system was) and the $15 billion Big Dig project (a tunnel ceiling collapsed and killed a driver during his watch, b/c of shoddy design and construction work that his administration was supposed to be monitoring). Once he left office he started bashing Massachusetts at every opportunity, presumably as a way of bonding with red state voters.

Incidentally, some of those papers including the Boston Herald and Manchester Union Leader, are conservative with Republican editorial pages. They don't like Mitt because they think he's phony, not because they don't think he can win.

analysis paralysis   December 29th, 2007 8:50 pm ET

The Iowa caucus is effectively one-person, one-vote only at the precinct level. If 1,000 persons show up and pack full a particular precinct to caucus and only 50 show up at another precinct to caucus, the total votes at each precinct/caucus site
produce the same number of delegates to the next level where convention delegates are awarded. So a rural caucus site may only draw 50 people compared to a caucus site in Des Moines that could draw 400. Yet, each caucus precinct/site has the same voting power. So the pollsters percentages may not reflect the outcome due to the distortion of the one-person, one-vote caucus procedure. Another factor to keep in mind is where will the votes of those candidates (such as Richardson, Biden, Kucinich, Dodd) who do not reach the 15% viability requirement go to? The potential for a skewed outcome differing from the raw numbers is quite possible. I sense that a candidate could actually be down 5-6 points in the polling, but could still end up "winning" on caucus night if he or she "sweeps" the Richardson, Biden, Kucinich, Dodd vote which combined is now around 12%.

K.J. O'BRIEN , NASHVILLE, TN.   December 29th, 2007 8:26 pm ET

Hillary is a street fighter, a proven street fighter, tough as nails, She an take a punch like no other. She is not smoke and mirrors, if she were, she would of been gone long ago. Can that be said of her opponets?

everyday   December 29th, 2007 7:53 pm ET

If you think you should vote for Huckabee notice how all the liberal newspapers and main stream media are falling over this guy. Why? Because he is pathetic.

Huckabee's rise was a result of the perfect storm, liberals wanting him to be easy to beat in the general election, Giuliani helped him to take steam out of Romney since Giuliani could not in Iowa, and the flood of religious bigots who even Fred Thompson could not inspire! That is your Huckaboom. Hey, Huckabee just picked up another endoresement, the leaders of Iran and Russia….

Give me Romney over Huckabee everyday of the week!

Andy Dyer, St. Johns, AZ   December 29th, 2007 7:44 pm ET

This is the beginning of the end for the "Huckaboom." There was a reason that he has been ineffective on the campaign trail until the end of November. No only has he run a slipshod campaign, but he is an intellectual and ethical lightweight. But he is a good preacher and one-line-quipper, so please go back to the lecture circuit where you belong.

Regarding the dependability of this particular poll, I think that over the next 3 days, there will be other polls that confirm this momentum switch. Stay tuned…

Dale Davis, Glendora, California   December 29th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

Thank God Iowans are beginning to wake up. I was wondering when they would reconsider what they were doing. May faith in the American intellect is starting to get restored again. Go Mitt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dennis   December 29th, 2007 7:20 pm ET

News Flash!! Ron Paul takes a HUGE lead in Iowa and New Hampshire. All of the other wanna be's drop to last place…..to be continued………….

Grant Devereaux   December 29th, 2007 7:15 pm ET

The three scariest candidates are Hillary, Romney and Giuliani. All are manufactured phonies, and all are integral parts of the New World Order. If any of these bozos make it to the White House, I am moving to New Zealand.

doug marcus   December 29th, 2007 7:08 pm ET

the 3 top republicans – mitt, rudy & johnny mac – have the strengths & background to get the job done. none of them will pass a litmus test being 100% on every conservative idea. but they have shown through their experience to organize & execute policies that they believe in.

katrina   December 29th, 2007 6:58 pm ET

Yes! ARG often has results that are very different from other polls. Here's hoping that this one shows the direction Romney is headed.

We need Romney's clean living life style as a positive example to our country's children (and their parents).

We need his incredible abilities as a turn-around specialist to clean up Washington.

Here's wishing I was caucusing in Iowa!

JT, Ada OK   December 29th, 2007 6:54 pm ET

Go Romney. He's got the skills to cure our ills!

Chalie, San Diego, CA   December 29th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

We need fresh ideas. Same old same old won't do. The clintons had 8 years to solve these problems and they didn't. We need a new and better approach to politics. We don't need huge egos. Bill Clinton will be a distraction in a Hillary clinton administration. Bush, Clinton, Bush Clinton makes America look like a feudal state. Open up to new talent. Let a fresh breeze in. Vote for genuine change.

X, Madison WI   December 29th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

Oh great, another ARG poll. Why is CNN still publishing this kind of info.
ARG has the worst track record of all polls out there.
In other words, ignore this.
All other polls show the race very close in IOWA and this? Simply nonsense.

JT   December 29th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

I thought the poll might be to good to be true myself, but if you go back through the histories on Real Clear Politics website, you can see they are pretty consistent with the CNN and ABC polls, as well as others. If ARG is off, the others are also.

This is great news, but don't let it allow anyone who supports MITT to rest on our laurels. Anything can happen between now and Thursday. Don't let up for a second, keep getting the message out, keep plugging away, GO MITT!!!

This will be a great day for America starting next Thursday if we can keep it going.

Instead of addressing the issues in question one by one, I noticed Huckabee and McCain are turning to personal attacks now. Their true colors are starting to show through. Romney is a truly class act (anyone who honestly compares his ads with those who support Huckabee will have to agree). Huckabee support group did an ad against Romney that was very childish and distasteful. Romney shows he is a statesman and a fair competitor. This is politics. I would expect candidates to prove why they are the best candidate and compare records. Romney refuses to get personal, and even still says nice things about Huckabee even though Huckabee tries to slam Mitt personally every post I've seen lately.

Romney = Proven Results. GO MITT!!!!

JohnC   December 29th, 2007 6:38 pm ET

I think democrats are being forced to turn to Fox to get a balanced coverage. CNN and MSNBC have done nothing buy attack Clinton, while giving a free ride to Obama and Huckabee.

Tucker and Mathewes are worse than ORiley.

Can you imagine what the press would do if one of the dems was pen palls like Huckabee was with convicted serial rapist Wayne DuMond?

"Dear Wayne. . . . My desire is that you be released from prison," the governor wrote. "I feel now that parole is the best way. . . ."

Yet this is the republican front runner?

The media needs to stand up to right wing cry babies and report the facts, or we are going to wind up with some deviant as president.

I was looking for a republican who was pro environment but I'll never vote for someone who is pen palls with rapist and killers.

Bryan, Firestone, CO   December 29th, 2007 6:09 pm ET

Huckabee couldn't talk about what he actually did that was noteworthy as Governor, so people are waking up to that and looking for someone that actually has a good record of turning things around, with the leadership this country needs. Way to go Romney.

Good article on why he'll be the next POTUS
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/12/29/poll-romney-regains-lead-in-iowa/

mike, dallas, TX   December 29th, 2007 5:57 pm ET

Why does CNN continue to make a big deal out of this ARG poll that lacks credibility? Only CNN tries to mae it in to a real news where other credible news sources ignore it.

JM   December 29th, 2007 5:57 pm ET

Hey Allen Ridge……NO WAY. Mitt a blend of JFK and Reagan? Please, you make me sick. This guy has an ego that wan't stop. 50—-60—70 million of his own money to get as far as he has.

I can't even imagine this guy and his spoiled little family in the Oval Office…yuck!

Bryan, Bristol, RI   December 29th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

Can you just imagine 4 years of "HELLARY" Clinton? All the screaming, demands and requisite genuflecting…yeesch, I shudder to think!

Dan   December 29th, 2007 5:51 pm ET

I sure hope this poll is correct. Although Huckabee has a likeable demeanor, I have not been able to understand how people can support him in view of his lax attitude towards criminals, his propensity to spend, and that fact that he does not stay current on his issues. He may be witty, but he does not seem to have the discipline, preparation, or conservative credentials to be a good president.

Say what you want to about Romney, this guy has ran the most disciplined and prepared campaign of any of the candidates. He also shows an incredible depth of knowledge on almost all the issues. He has a gold-plated resume in government, the private sector, and the volunteer sector. This guy has definitely prepared himself and deserves to be president. My vote is for Romney.

Tommy, Chicago IL   December 29th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

I won't believe anything until January 3!! Everyday a new poll comes out with a totally different result as the last poll. Hillary leads in One poll, Obama in another, Edwards in another, a statistical tie in another, Romney is up by 7, huckabee is up by 12 and Fred Thompson is steady at 12% in all polls! Haha. I'm getting tired of polls, January 3rd couldn't come any sooner, I'm sure Iowans can't wait to watch a regular ad on TV! Who woulda thought people can't wait to watch regualr commercials again! haha

Allen Ridge   December 29th, 2007 5:35 pm ET

AMEN DAN C……………. GO MITT! The most qualified and once-in-a -lifetime candiate in one.

Mitt's a blend of Ronald Regan and JFK……………extremely strong in all areas.

ted   December 29th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

Romney-Palin '08! Unbeatable — will cream Billary and/or Oprah Obama.

Jen Cedar Falls, IA   December 29th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

I always say ABC, because Clinton should NOT get the White House AGAIN! This is preposterous for our country to even allow such a thing. Don't think for a moment that if Hillary wins that Bill wouldn't be running everything he could get his hands on (that's against our Constitution you know! + hide the interns, geez!) Putin wants to keep Russia under his rule, too. Chavez tried to keep Venezuela under his thumb after his term is up as well. Same with Musharref in Pakistan. Enough of this Clinton/Bush era! Anybody But Clinton! Consider how much that woman is loathed in this country. There are thousands of Dem's that say they would NEVER vote for her, so they'd switch parties, how's that gonna work for you, Dem's? Hillary would divide this country even more than it is. She is NO uniter, she is a hard-core divider who has left a very dirty (hidden now) trail throughout her years. Mitt Romney IS the only candidate worthy of the White House. He would work hard, using his Brain (as opposed to other body parts) in the Oval Office to unite this country and bring it back to the International Respect and Economic Prosperity we used to know before the Clinton/Bush years. Check him out!

Tyler, Cincinnati, OH   December 29th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

I'm shocked so many people are falling all over themselves over these polls. When will this nation start realizing that these polls are nothing but fodder to get a story going. Jan. 3 is all that matters. Don't be so quick to crown a victory for anyone. These polls are not reliable: Just a week ago, Huckabee was running away with a win in Iowa, and this morning, in another poll, there was a three way tie on the Democratic side. Take your time, get your tea ready, and a comfortable chair, and indulge yourself in the insanity on Jan. 3. I know I will.

I'm an Obama man myself. If he is still rocking in the end, he is getting my vote.

But if I was FORCED to vote for a Republican, it would be Mitt Romney. I'm a devout Christian, but it really doesn't matter to me if the President is Christian or not, and the fact that Romney is a Mormon is actually kind of refreshing. I think he is the brightest canidate on the GOP side: he has the intelligence, the business savy, etc. He could have battled Obama for my vote but he lost it when started to OVERTLY pander to the Republican base. I mean, everyone panders to their base, but he grossly panders. And the recent love affair he has had with GW is gross. He actually thinks GW is a good President. But at least he doesn't want to quaratine the *gays*, or bomb bomb bomb Iran, or use a verb, a noun, and 9/11 in every sentence, or cut the nation off to the outside world, and at least he is actually enthused to be running for president. So….I guess it doesn't take much to be the best that group.

I'm glad I"m an independent because if I was in the GOP, I would be pulling my hair over my options.

Chris, Bethesda, Maryland   December 29th, 2007 5:10 pm ET

Don't get carried away. This is just one poll, and public opinion during the primaries is extremely fickle. Huckabee, whatever his failings, has done extraordinarily well considering the lack of money in his campaign, and he does still hold the religious right card over the other four. I agree with the anti-Huckabee sentiment, but please, do not count this guy out or cry victory too early. In politics, you truly never can be too careful.

Brian   December 29th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

LOL indeed, Willard. Just because Romney is the best funded and most well-organized candidate doesn't mean his supporters are paid. He has integrity and competency and that's what draws the push of support in Iowa.

If you haven't noticed the Republican party's image has gotten a bit tarnished in the last two years. Of the current batch of potential nominees Romney is the best man to restore competency, credibility and reason to the GOP. Huckabee is a likable guy (even when he's suggesting that his opponents slit their wrists in the bathtub). Just don't expect him to know much about Pakistan or Iran.

Mike Huckabee–my vote for folksy, glib, funny man. Mitt Romney–my vote for Leader of the Free World.

Conservative4Life, AL   December 29th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

Complain all you want George, but yet if the poll came out and said that Huckabee was in the lead you'd be all over it. Give me a break – 'bout time that his record is seeing the light of day so people can know what an absolute disaster he would be as President.

popular vote 2008, LA, CA.   December 29th, 2007 4:49 pm ET

better take cnn for what it is, clinton news network. Cnn will go to any ungodly lenght just to keep pushing clinton to the fore-front. These days, I take whatever comes out of clinton news network with a pinch of salt. I refused to be fooled.

Cameron   December 29th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

These ARG polls are so wildly all over the place that they mean nothing. From week to week, they are completely different.

If I worked for CNN, I would quit using that research company.

lucian   December 29th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

LOL… when are people going to realize that these polls mean absolutely nothing?

Andy, New York, New York   December 29th, 2007 4:45 pm ET

I am tired of all these snap polls. They remind me of the liberal and left wing media outlets that staged snap polls with questions phrased in ways to make Bush and the Iraq war look bad. Then when tpollsters are satisfied with the answers, they post the results showing a negative for Bush and the war. But when was the last time we saw a poll on Bush and the Iraq war? Know why there's been none recently? Cause the Iraq war is looking good since the surge, and the liberal and left wing media outlets don't like that! Bill Clinton's PR guru, Dick Morris, once revealed that Clinton did almost daily pulse polls of people to deterime the hot button issue of the day, then Clinton would go out and make sound bite remarks on those issues in time for the evening news on TV. it made him appear as though he was on the ball and a people President. The only polls that should matter are those that determine who wins and loses!

Tracy Adams, GA   December 29th, 2007 4:44 pm ET

Willard, look in the mirror and tell me who the real "bot" is. You're telling me you can look past all his enormous mistakes as Governor and you still want to support this guy? I would gladly vote for him if he were a true conservative and didn't have an abysmal record as Governor. No, he is NOT presidential material. End of story.

Justin   December 29th, 2007 4:30 pm ET

Go Mitt!

Huckabigot is a wolf in sheep's clothing, a disingenuous egotist and an intellectual lightweight. He may be able to fool the evangelicals in Iowa, but he's not fooling anyone else. We need a smart, hardworking, realist in the White House. Mitt Romney is the man for the job!

Stop Trudy Giuliani! Stop Her Royal Heinous Hitlary! Vote Romney!

Ray, Rochester   December 29th, 2007 4:28 pm ET

Once that clown Huckabee stredt opening hs mouth, people realized what a moron he is. He will tank in Iowa and disappear from the field.

Ryan Basilio   December 29th, 2007 4:17 pm ET

I find this report suspect at best since we do not see what the actual sampling numbers (ig how many people took the survey) or how the sampling was done. With such a huge margin of error 4-/+ the survey could be off by a whole 8 Percent well within the margin of error. Please give us the facts.

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   December 29th, 2007 4:16 pm ET

Another ARG poll, these guys should stay out of the polling business. The last poll had Hillary 19 point ahead.

ARG is joke

Mike Huckabee, Ark   December 29th, 2007 4:16 pm ET

I finally can admit it, Mitt is the man. It took me a while to figure it out. I want to unofficially endorse this man for POTUS.
Mike Huckawont

jason, North Carolina   December 29th, 2007 4:12 pm ET

If Romney wins Iowa, he will defeat McCan't in NH and its all over but the crying from there. Mitt call Governor Crist of Fla to complete your ticket and your on your way to the oval office.

Rob   December 29th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

I cant believe this is even a race. Romney is by far the most qualified. So he's changed his opinion on a couple of things through the years. At least he hasnt changed his opinion about his wife during that time which is more than I can say for 3 of the others.

Im sure Huck is a good guy – its just I find his attacks on Romney's religion troubling – as well as his foreign policy inexperience and tax and spend history.

McCain is indeed "honorable", but the guy cant take a punch in politics. Those ads contrasting him and Romney's records arent personal attacks – they are what politics is all about – contrasting records and policies of you and your apponent. McCain's ad is simply a personal attack. How "phony" can a loyal husband, father of 5 successful kids, and apparently one of the best business minds in America be? Ask that business associate who Romney helped find his daughter how phony he is – thats real hero stuff imo.

George   December 29th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

ROmney in the lead? pfft How much is he paying ARG. If you guys believe romney is the person he says he is then I have DesMoines Iowa ocean front property I'd like to sell you

Chris S - Gerald, MO   December 29th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

Should I vote Republican, (if Hillary gets the Dem nod) it would be for Romney. Glad to see my 2 choices pulling ahead or gaining ground on the leaders.

EDWARDS '08

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   December 29th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

I believe is amazing that in such a contested state, where both Obama and Edwards were supoosed to be the winners, is Hillary the one in the lead, this is representative of her, her hard work, her getting close to the people… not even Oprah could stop that. I'm very proud of the senator… her hard work is paying off… I hope everyone goes and votes!!! Also Gov. Romney is a very savy politician I'm not surprise… good for him I look forward to a Romney vs. Clinton Presidential campaign… you got to love America!

Willard   December 29th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

All you paid Romney bots are working on a saturday? wow uncle money bags must be really desperate. LOL This poll is garbage. I still say Huck beats romney by at least 5%

Mark, Hartford CT   December 29th, 2007 4:02 pm ET

What does it matter which current candidate winds up winning on the republican side – don't you know that in this country of sheep we're only allowed to vote into office Clintons and Bushs? Oh wait, maybe I've been listening to too much mainstream media lately…

JP from HB   December 29th, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Hey SKM in Boston- check out the most recent LA Times/Bloomberg poll of likely caucus voters-it has almost exactly the same %'s as the ARG has for Clinton,edwards,Obama(check your facts first before claiming a major polling group does faulty polls)

Defense Dem   December 29th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

Hick-a-bee was bound to lose steam once people discovered what he truly 'stands' for: Religious extremism, bigotry, amnesty, and early parole. His lack of insight in the realm of foreign policy speaks volumes on his ignorance.

Perhaps Huckabee's well of knowledge has run dry. Or perhaps this hick's politics are more suitable for the backwoods and pig-country, where it appears stupidity is rewarded with trips to the governor's mansion. You're way out of your league, Huck! Go back to your pig farming.

JP from HB   December 29th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

Hey SKM in Boston-take a look at LA Times/Bloomberg poll of likely caucus votes-it has almost the same percentages for Clinton,Edwards and Obama-how can you call it an outlier(check your facts before putting down a major polling organization)

Alan in Alpine   December 29th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

Mary in NY, I agree completely. Not only in what you say, but also that Romney cannot be bought. He made his own money the hard way, even gave away his inheritance to charity, and will be above the fray when it comes to political corruption.

Go Romney!

jessie, West Virginia   December 29th, 2007 3:54 pm ET

Wow!!! :) Wonderful! :) Good news for Mitt. I believe that Mitt's "three legged stool" –to strengthen the military, strengthen the economy, and to strengthen the American families—brings the spirit of "enthusiasm" to the beautiful people of Iowa. Mitt's creative response to every issues, both domestic and international proves—that he has the most qualified and "solid leadership" skills among the GOP candidates.

Mike   December 29th, 2007 3:45 pm ET

Finally. People are starting to look at Huckabee's record. He's a failed pastor who was a weak Governor. We need REAL change in America, we need someone who isn't from inside the "beltway" and has actually succeeded in business and large scale enterprise. Someone to bring back America's economic power. Mitt Romney is that person!

Mary in NY   December 29th, 2007 3:34 pm ET

I agree [finally] that Mitt Romney is the one I will vote for. It has taken me a long time to decide but I have tried to find fault with his character and I can not find any. He has only married one woman and is a dedicated father. Loyalty is a trait that I hold in high regards for the leader of our country and his personal life shows that to be true. He has shown roven leadership skills in bringing back a defunct Salt Lake Olympics, is a successful businessman and has some experience in the inner workings of polictics yet has not been marred from years of corrupt lobbyists. He speaks his mind and has the education and business smarts to lead us out of debt and a better standing on the global front.

annette   December 29th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

Go Romney! People are discovering Chuckabee is only good for his one-liners. The man doesn't have a backbone, can't handle Romney's soft tone truthful ads.

s.positive   December 29th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Yet another rubbish from ARG poll. Who is their right mind actually believe this trash. Next ticker please…

Shawnie - Grants Pass OR   December 29th, 2007 3:25 pm ET

Bye-bye Huck-a-been. Thank heavens. Oh, and if you lose Huck, is that not divine intervention also? Or is that only if you win….? I am Christian, but Huck's governing record and policies are as scary as hell.

julie slc ut.   December 29th, 2007 3:24 pm ET

What's up with the ARG polls? It's just another weird outlier poll like the ARG poll last week that showed Hillary 15 points above Obama, when all the other polls showed- and still show- that They're tied. Romney and Hillary are still going down. ARG seems to be the only pollster with these screwy poll results. Could they be perhaps, buddies of Hillary's main campaign man- pollster Mark Penn?

Bryan J. Tavares   December 29th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

I couldn't agree more with "Dan C." Romney is the ONLY choice for president in '08. He will continue to keep us safe…Just as "41″ has all these years

N. Wisconsin   December 29th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

yeah Romney!!!!!!!

Mrs. America   December 29th, 2007 3:16 pm ET

If I were to vote Rep, I'd definitely go with Romney. He didn't even have to even go after Huckabee in his ads. As soon as Huckabee started getting media coverage, he spoke (and acted) loud and clear for himself. Thankfully, people are seeing the real Huckabee disaster.

Penny   December 29th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

There you go again– Another concted poll from CNN..Clinton's News Network.. 2 days ago, you said she had a 15 point lead. You suck!

Trevor, OH   December 29th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

Amen Dan C!

Best of luck still to all the candidates in the primaries.

Dan C   December 29th, 2007 3:05 pm ET

Good, I'm glad that Iowa voters are starting to wake up and smell the roses. I guess Huckabee's witty one-liners and lip service to the Christian right aren't enough to overide his poor record and limited foreign policy understanding.

It's more that Huckabee wouldn't make for a good President (and he wouldn't given his liberal economic and immigration views) is the fact that Romney is an extraordinary candidate. His leadership skills are unmatched. His educational background is unmatched. His understanding of business and the economy is unmatched. He has extensive experience in the private, public, and volunteer sector. Anyone that does their homework will realize that Romney is the best GOP candidate.

Betty   December 29th, 2007 3:03 pm ET

Go Hillary!!!

csh chicago   December 29th, 2007 2:59 pm ET

If Obama was up 7 points over Hillary in a poll – the headlines would be:

Obama Surging

Hillary In Free Fall

We are so sick of the media propaganda ( especially MSNBC) telling us that Hillary's campaign is imploding -

AlwaysforHillary, NYC   December 29th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

So happy to hear Hillary is leading!!! BUT PLEASE IOWANS,, WAKE UP!!!! We need an experienced, proven leader in the White House in 2009!! That candidate is HILLARY CLINTON!!!!

Some have been fooled by Obama's ideology and so-called inspirational speeches, but speeches won't help when he walks into the White House and finds the MESS left by Bush and doesn't have the wisdom, experience and strength to work on these problems!! HILLARY HAS THE STRENGTH, EXPERIENCE, WISDOM!!! SHE IS A PROVEN LEADER!! SHE IS BATTLE TESTED SO SHE CAN SUSTAIN ALL THE ATTACKS THE REPUBLICANS WILL GIVE TO THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE!!! AND HILLARY IS STILL STANDING!!!

HILLARY CLINTON – PRESIDENT!!!

S.K.M. Boston Mass   December 29th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Another ARG poll, another favorable rating for Hillary that doesn't match any other poll. ARG continues to maintain its reputation.

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