In numerous threads and also on other websites, the following two narratives have frequently surfaced:
1. Mitt Romney is not an acceptable candidate for conservatives
2. Ron Paul is a serious contender for the nomination
Today, Gallup released polling data that turned those narratives on their head. The data revealed that Governor Romney enjoys support among Republicans who identify themselves as conservatives. It also revealed that Ron Paul's support is limited.
Gallup revealed:
Mitt Romney is the now the only candidate that a majority of conservative and moderate/liberal Republicans nationwide see as an "acceptable" GOP nominee for president. Conservative Republicans are more likely to say Romney would be an acceptable nominee than either Newt Gingrich or Rick Santorum.
Majority of Conservatives See Romney as "Acceptable"
Romney was seen as being acceptable by 59% of conservatives and 59% of moderates/liberals. Gingrich and Santorum also did well among conservatives but had weak showings with moderates/liberals. Paul, on the other hand, was seen as acceptable by just 25% of conservatives and 35% of moderates/liberals.
The bottom line is that this poll offers additional evidence that Mitt Romney is the favorite to secure the Republican nomination (high support by conservatives and moderates/liberals). Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich are in a second tier (high support among conservatives but low support among moderates/liberals). The remaining candidates, including Ron Paul, are in a third tier (low support among conservatives and moderates/liberals).