Paul would tie; Palin and Perry behind

by Clifford F. Thies

The current Harris Poll shows that two named Republicans would defeat President Obama, and a third would tie.

The strongest Republican, according to the poll, would be former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who leads Obama by 6 points, 53 to 47 percent. Next is former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who leads by 2 points, 51 to 49. Third is Texas Congressman Ron Paul, who is tied, 50-50, with the President.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who has the highest name recognition among those paired against the President, comes in tied for fourth with several others, with an 8 point disadvantage. Texas Governor Rick Perry, with very low name recognition, also comes in tied for fourth. But, given his low name recognition, there's a lot of upside potential for Perry.

Also interesting is that among Republicans, Romney and Giuliani were tied for the most preferred candidate, with Palin third, Perry fourth, Congresswoman Michele Bachman of Minnesota fifth, and Paul sixth.