Texas governor tops Grant County poll

MOSES LAKE - A straw poll taken by Republicans at the Grant County Fair last week reveals that Texas Governor Rick Perry is favored as the candidate to take on Democrat President Barack Obama in the 2012 elections.

Perry's 29 percent in Grant County is about the same as his national poll numbers. He was followed closely by former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at 26 percent. Minnesota Senator Michelle Bachmann polled at 18 percent. Herman Cain led a group of five Republicans at nine percent or lower.

"The straw poll is by no means official," said Grant County Republican Party Chairman Dani Bolyard. "But it's a way to keep the conversation going."

Another way is to bring up former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. Even though she's undeclared, she polled at six percent. Bolyard is not convinced Palin is out of the picture.

"I think she's setting something up," Bolyard said.

With the election still more than a year away, there is plenty of time for Palin to declare. If she does, Bolyard believes, it will set up an exciting campaign in 2012.

For now, the Republicans need to talk about the field they do have and sort through it. The more discussion there is, the more informed the voters will be when making their choice.

According to Bolyard, the first opportunity to be involved in an official vote will be around March. She said precinct caucuses will be important because of the absence of a presidential primary.

"Those who attend their precinct caucuses and county conventions will have the opportunity to be elected to attend the state convention, where the vote for our delegation's presidential candidate will occur," Bolyard said.

- Staff report