Public Policy Polling (D) has new numbers in a Republican presidential matchup (614 GOP primary voters, 3/12-14, MoE +/- 4%), showing the top contenders tightly matched about two years from the primaries.

2012 Primary Election Matchup
Romney 28
Huckabee 24
Palin 23
Paul 11
Other 6
Und 9

PPP's analysis:

"Romney's lead speaks to the fact that moderates could actually pick the GOP nominee in 2012. That's because there's gridlock among conservatives about who their preferred candidate is. Huckabee leads with 28% to 27% for Palin and 25% for Romney. But the former Massachusetts Governor has a large advantage with moderates, getting 35% to 17% for Palin and 16% for Huckabee. That significant edge with them gives him the overall lead.

The survey asked respondents if they think it's more important that Republicans nominate someone who can defeat President Obama, or someone who is conservative on every issue. It looks like electability trumps purity at this point, with 48 percent saying it's more important to nominate a winner compared to 42 percent who say a true conservative. Meanwhile, 43 percent say they think Sarah Palin can defeat Obama, while 38 percent say no.

Favorable Ratings
Palin 69 / 17
Romney 58 / 17
Huckabee 54 / 16

Yes, it's early. But Romney also led in a national ballot test by Gallup. Rasmussen's last such survey showed Huckabee in front.

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