The Hiller Instinct: Suffolk Poll - GOP 2012

Romney remains in front, but--if Bachmann keeps it up, she'll catch him.

So far for Romney, the re-run is better than the original.

In our exclusive 7News-Suffolk University Poll, he's way in front, with 36%. Michele Bachmann is second at 11%. Texas congressman Ron Paul is third with 8%, and 21% are undecided.

No other Republican in the race gets more than 5% support in our poll.

Even better for Romney, he's the most trusted of all the GOP candidates...and honesty is the most important quality to likely GOP primary voters.

Our poll also says Romney's image is improving.

When we asked whether his flip-flops on social issues would cost him their votes, 69% said no...24% yes.

"Polls are about position and momentum. Romney has position--it's New Hampshire, he always has-- but Bachmann has momentum right now," said David Paleologos, Suffolk Univeristy pollster.

“Live free or die!” Congresswoman Michele Bachmann said. And Bachmann is booming in the Granite State.

Support for the Minnesota Congresswoman has more than tripled--from 3% last month to 11% now.

"President Obama is a one term president!” Bachmann said to applause in the first New Hampshire debate this month.

Bachmann is benefiting from a strong performance that debate; her conservative ties to the tea party; and her take-no-prisoners campaign style:

"I will not rest until we repeal Obamacare. Take it to the bank!” Bachmann said.

More than six months before the vote in New Hampshire, this may already be a two person race.

"Romney and Bachmann are going to be one-two or two-one in Iowa and in New Hampshire. That doesn't leave a lot of room for the rest of the field. They're stuck in single digits," said Paleologos.

Our poll says the New Hampshire Primary is still Mitt Romney's to lose, and that it will be hard for him to lose it.

But if he does, he's done.

I don't see how Romney can lose New Hampshire and win the White House.

I’m Andy Hiller, and that’s my instinct.

For detailed information on the poll, visit Suffolk University Political Research Center.

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