Name recognition and likability are factors in presidential elections that shouldn't be undersold, and three GOP candidates are off on the right foot in the first state to hold a nominating contest -- Iowa.

In the latest Iowa Poll, Mitt Romney was viewed favorably by 62 percent; Sarah Palin by 58 percent; and Newt Gingrich by 56 percent.

In contrast, 80 percent say they don't know enough about Daniels to have a favorable or unfavorable opinion, 71 percent say they're not sure how they feel toward Thune and 53 percent are unsure about Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The poll measures favorability, not preference. Lots can and will happen before serious presidential caucus campaigns launch next year that will wilt favorability and pump new candidates onto the list.

There's, of course, room for outsiders like Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama, who weren't well known in Iowa in 2006, but opened 2008 with victories there.

Brian Kennedy, Iowa's former state GOP chairman, said the favorability numbers give an indication of which possible candidates would have a good start for the 2012 races.

"I think it confirms what we all suspect, which is Sarah Palin would start off as a formidable candidate both in the Iowa caucus as well as competing for the nomination," Kennedy said. "Mitt Romney doesn't look like he's been bruised from going through this process once."

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