Poll: Bachmann surges to 2nd place following CNN NH debate

Most analysts and viewers seem to agree that Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann appeared to gain the most from Monday night’s CNN Republican New Hampshire debate and a new poll out today confirms she is seeing a bounce in support. According to Rasmussen, the latest numbers show great gains for Bachmann and Herman Cain as well.

Top 3 according to Rasmussen: Romney – 33%, Bachmann – 19%, Cain – 10%

Full report from Rasmussen:

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney continues to lead the race for the Republican nomination, but Michele Bachmann has surged into second place following her Monday night entry into the campaign.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely GOP Primary Voters, taken following the candidates’ Monday night debate, shows Romney earning 33% support, with Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann a surprise second at 19%. Georgia businessman Herman Cain is in third place with 10% of the vote.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich picks up nine percent (9%) support, followed by Texas Congressman Ron Paul with seven percent (7%), ex-Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty at six percent (6%) and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum also earning six percent (6%). Former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, who did not participate in the debate but is expected to announce his candidacy on Tuesday, gets two percent (2%) of the vote. Eight percent (8%) prefer some other candidate.

Romney and Bachmann are tied among primary voters who say they are Tea Party members, with 26% support each. Romney holds a 36% to 16% lead over the congresswoman among non-members. Most primary voters regard all the candidates with the exception of Huntsman as conservative, but Bachmann is seen as the most conservative.

It is not surprising that Bachmann is seeing some increased support, she was able to hold her own on the stage and captured a lot of audience support. We’ll see what happens in the coming weeks, however, if she continues to stay near 2nd or 3rd in national polls, that could seriously indicate she is a real contender in the Iowa caucuses since Romney has essentially pulled out.

Also showing strong here is Herman Cain. To beat out a favorite like Pawlenty speaks volumes for the progress Cain has made with building a national profile. Clearly he as awakened many Republican primary voters to his candidacy and they like what they see.