Poll: Perry Falls, Cain Rises

Rick Perry’s support among Republicans has dwindled, according to a new Washington Post/ABC poll.

The Texas Governor now charts at 16 percent, a sharp 13 point decrease from the previous month.

Perry’s fall can likely be attributed to his poor performance in the last Republican debate, wherein he fumbled his anti-Romney rhetoric and suggested that those who criticized his state’s plan to help illegal immigrants attend college lacked compassion.

While Perry has taken a hit, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain, long considered a second-tier candidate, has continued to gain momentum. The new poll shows an impressive 12 point jump from the previous month, from 4 to 16 percent.

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has maintained steady support, coming in with 25 percent in the previous two polls.

Although the first primary is just months away, the GOP filed has not completely settled. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin have both been rumored to be considering runs. In the latest survey, 42 percent of respondents said that they would like to see Christie run and 31 percent said that they would like to see Palin enter the race. However, 66 percent of respondents also said that they would not like to see Palin run, while 34 percent said Christie should not make a bid.

The poll was conducted among 397 Republican and GOP leaning independents between Sept. 29th and Oct. 2.