Perry leads in poll of Virginia voters

Public Policy Polling:

-In another sign of his strength as he prepares to enter the Presidential race Rick Perry leads the Republican field in Virginia, pointing to the possibility for him to be a very strong candidate particularly in the South. He gets 20% to 16% for Mitt Romney, 15% for Michele Bachmann, 13% for Sarah Palin, 6% each for Ron Paul and Newt Gingrich, 2% for Tim Pawlenty, and 1% for Jon Huntsman.

What might be most impressive about Perry's lead is that it comes despite his lagging the rest of the top contenders in name recognition. Palin's known to 90% of GOP primary voters, Romney to 83%, and Bachmann to 80%. But despite only 62% of Republicans knowing enough about Perry to have an opinion about him he still comes out tops in the horse race.

Perry's first place finish is derived from his strength with the far right. Among 'very conservative' voters he's at 28% with Bachmann getting 20%, Palin 15%, and Romney in a distant fourth place at 12%. Romney leads the way with moderates and voters who are only 'somewhat conservative.' But that 'very conservative' segment is the largest part of the GOP electorate and propels Perry to the overall lead.

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Perry has a chance to grow his lead as people become more familiar with him. If Palin is not in the race Bachmann benefits the most at this point. I think Perry will have a shot at those voters too.