Rick Perry poll numbers give big edge over GOP field

Rick Perry isn't a Republican presidential candidate – yet. But on the eve of the Iowa debate, Texas Gov. Perry's name recognition numbers are high.

If you’re a Republican and you know who Texas Gov. Rick Perry is, Gallup’s most recent polling shows that chances are you like him – a lot.

What’s more, you like the as-yet undeclared candidate for the GOP presidential nomination more intensely than the partisans of any other candidate in the GOP field.

In other words: this Texas governor is poised to make a big splash if he gets into the race on Saturday.

Perry is starting way, way ahead of established presidential contenders including former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and even firebrand Republican Congressman Ron Paul in terms of passionate fans. And while he’s not yet a household name like former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin or former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, his name recognition is already bumping up against 60 percent.

DCDecoder Action items:

• Love Governor Perry? There’s a plethora of political action committees - groups which raise and spend money on political races - springing up all over the place to support his candidacy.
• Follow him on Twitter @GovernorPerry.
• Not a big fan of the GOP? See the Democratic National Committee’s ad on “Extreme Aims” of Republican candidates at this weekend’s Ames Straw Poll.

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