The latest national poll finds Texas congressman Ron Paul in the top tier of Republican presidential candidates.
A poll from USA Today shows Mr. Paul trailing Texas governor Rick Perry and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, both of whom are largely viewed as the leading contenders for the 2012 nomination.
USA Today/Gallup poll released on Tuesday shows Mr. Paul with 13 percent percent support, displacing Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann, who fell to 5 percent and into a three-way dead tie with former House speaker Newt Gingrich and businessman Herman Cain.
Mr. Paul trails Mr. Romney and Mr. Perry. The survey shows Mr. Perry drawing 31 percent of the GOP primary vote to Mr. Romney’s 24 percent.
The poll comes as Mr. Paul has sought to gain support in key states, such as Iowa and New Hampshire. The Texas Republican has risen in recent nationwide polling, however, he remains well behind Mr. Perry and Mr. Romney, according to averages compiled by RealClearPolitics.
