So which Republican would do the best against President Obama if the 2012 election were held today?

The answer, according to a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Sept. 18-21, is former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who would get 41 percent to Obama's 48 percent with 11 percent undecided. Huckabee has been the strongest candidate against Obama all six times PPP has posed the question.

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Obama trounces former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin by 53 percent to 38 percent with 9 percent undecided. Her favorability numbers have been tanking, with 55 percent now seeing her negatively vs. 37 percent who have a positive view of her. Those are the lowest marks she's had so far in PPP surveys.

Obama would beat former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, 50 percent to 37 percent, so don't start thinking "dynasty."

Obama bests former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 48 percent to 39 percent with 13 percent undecided.

Among independent voters, Obama's lead ranges from 11 points to 19 points against the Republican field.


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