Poll: Walker holds double-digit lead in NH

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) has a double-digit lead over the field of Republican contenders in the first-in-the-nation primary state of New Hampshire, according to a new survey from the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling.

Walker took 24 percent support in the poll. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) came in a distant second with 14 percent, followed by Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) at 12 percent and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 10 percent.

Walker is boosted by a strong favorability rating in the state. Fifty-seven percent of New Hampshire voters view the Wisconsin governor positively, against 13 percent who have a negative opinion of him.

{mosads}Cruz and Paul are the only other candidates with favorability ratings greater than 50 percent. Bush’s favorability rating is barely above water at 41 percent positive and 40 percent negative.

Walker also has broad appeal across the conservative spectrum, leading the field among those who describe themselves as “somewhat conservative,” “very conservative” and “moderate.”

Conversely, Bush struggles mightily with those who identify as “very conservative.” Only 34 percent of that group has a favorable view of him, versus 45 percent who view the former Florida governor negatively.

Rounding out the field are Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie at 8 percent each, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Ben Carson at 7 percent each, and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 4 percent.

All of the candidates, except for Carson, will be in New Hampshire this weekend to speak at the state party’s leadership summit.

The PPP survey of 358 Republican voters was conducted from April 9-13 and has a 5.2-percentage-point margin of error.