PPP: Huckabee Leads in WV, Trails in CA and MI

Public Policy Polling releases their latest 2012 state polls — for California, Michigan, and West Virginia. They will have Illinois and North Carolina numbers later this week:

California:

1. Mitt Romney (24 percent)
2. Newt Gingrich (21 percent)
3. Sarah Palin (18 percent)
4. Mike Huckabee (17 percent)

Michigan:

1. Mitt Romney (30 percent)
2. Sarah Palin (17 percent)
3. Newt Gingrich (16 percent)
4. Mike Huckabee (14 percent)

West Virginia:

1. Mike Huckabee (27 percent)
2. Sarah Palin (24 percent)
3. Newt Gingrich (16 percent)
4. Mitt Romney (13 percent)

Full results here...

Analysis: While Huckabee supporters would wish it otherwise, it is not surprising that Huckabee trails Romney, Gingrich, and Palin in the first two. Neither were strong states for him in 2008. But Huckabee leads the field in West Virginia in almost every category, including men and women, every age group, and among moderates and conservatives. The only group he fails to win is self-described "liberals," proving his controversial victory in the 2008 primary was no fluke. With high national favorables, a bigger platform, out-of-the-gate grassroots and fundraising, and enduring support in the states where he won last time — Huckabee should only improve on his 2008 showing.