Loading ...By: Ralph Hallow
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee on Saturday won a 2012 presidential-preference straw poll of social and religious conservative activists from 49 states gathered in Washington, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said at an afternoon press briefing at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.
It was sweet revenge for Mr. Huckabee, who narrowly lost a similar poll in 2007 to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.
Only in-person voting was permitted in this vote Mr. Romney had won with combined Internet and in-person voting.
On Saturday, Mr. Huckabee took 28.48 percent of the vote, while Mr. Romney was in a four-way tie for second place with Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Indiana Rep. Mike Pence. All four won 12 percent of the vote in rounded numbers.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich placed fifth. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and the “undecided” option finished with less than 4 percent each.
Abortion ranked first among issues of concern to straw-poll voters, getting 41 percent of the vote, with protection of religious liberty second with 18 percent.
Opposition to same-sex marriage was third at 7 percent. Prayer in public schools, once a major concern among religious and social conservatives, ranked a surprising 10th place in the poll. The issue has dropped off the radar in recent years as more conservatives, including summit participants, school their children at home or send them to private or parochial schools.
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