Romney On Cloud Nine Following NH Debate

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has solidified his lead over a cluttered GOP presidential field following this week’s debate in New Hampshire.

According to the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, Romney sits atop the field with 30 percent of likely conservative voters saying they’d chose him to replace President Obama. 

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who has yet to officially throw her hat into the race, trails Romney by 16 percentage points, but comes in second, raking in 14 percent support. 

Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker, has taken a hit and has seen his numbers dwindle into the single digits, according to the poll. Gingrich held 11 percent support from likely conservative voters throughout April, but, following an untimely vacation to the Mediterranean and the departure of a number of his campaign staff members, Gingrich now sits at the six spot, with six percent. 

Gingrich trails Palin, pizza magnate Herman Cain, who holds 12 percent, and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) with seven percent. Surprisingly, trailing Romney, Palin and Cain is Texas Governor Rick Perry, raking in 8 percent support. 

The Texas governor has been rumored to be reconsidering jumping in the race and speculation rose after the Gingrich aides’ departure.