LAS VEGAS -- Conservatives from around Las Vegas gathered at the M Resort this weekend to hear from some big names in their movement.
A straw poll of 179 attending the Annual Conservative Leadership Conference showed some surprising results. Keep in mind, this was an audience of conservatives who gathered to learn from Republican politicians and conservative superstars, such as Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the Wall Street Journal's John Fund and Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform.
The big result you've already heard about -- the crowd liked Herman Cain for President. Of the conservatives running for the White House in 2012, Cain has a 24 percent favorable rating over Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts Governor, who has 21 percent. Rick Perry follows at 17 percent, Michelle Bachman at 16 percent, and Ron Paul has 8 percent.
Then again, Cain was one of only two presidential contenders to attend the conference, even after a scheduled debate fell apart when Mitt Romney said he wasn't going to show up. But that wasn't the only surprise.
When asked how likely it is that Barack Obama will be re-elected in 2012, 6 percent said he had a 25 percent chance, 71 percent, the majority, says he has a 50 percent chance of re-election, and 21 percent said there's a 75 percent chance President Obama will be in the White House once again.
Most conservatives say its's even money or better that President Obama will get re-elected. That could point up what some people following presidential fundraising this weekend called an enthusiasm gap for GOP contenders.
But at least one republican hopeful wasn't on the favorites Saturday. The straw poll reveals that 76 percent believe Sarah Palin doesn't have a viable chance at the office.
For more of some of these surprising results watch Steve's entire segment.
