Poll: Perry Leads Romney in Florida, but Only Romney Beats Obama

​Texas Gov. Rick Perry's quick shot to the front of the GOP-primary pack certainly has a lot of conservatives pleased. But liberals have a reason to be happy too. The general thinking right now is that Perry appeals less to general-election voters than his main rival, Mitt Romney, and thus would do worse against President Obama. The latest numbers out of Florida support the theory.

According to Quinnipiac, Perry receives the support of 31 percent of Florida Republican primary voters, compared to just 22 percent for Romney. Newt Gingrich and Herman Cain are tied for fourth at 8 percent each, while Michele Bachmann has now plummeted to just 7 percent support.

If the field dwindled to just the top two, Perry would beat Romney 46-38.

However, it seems Romney is better poised to win Florida in a general election. Obama leads Perry 44-42. And Obama leads Perry among Florida independents 42-36.

Romney at the moment has better chances. He leads Obama 47-40 overall and 44-35 among independents.

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