At this early stage of a presidential campaign, it’s important not to be disliked. And that could be a problem in New Hampshire for Chris Christie, Jeb Bush and Mike Huckabee, according to a new Franklin Pierce University/Boston Herald Poll.
Among possible Republican candidates, Christie, the governor of New Jersey, was seen unfavorably by 46 percent of likely voters, while 43 percent saw him favorably.
Bush, the former Florida governor, was seen unfavorably by 37 percent, and Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor, by 35 percent. Bush, though, was seen favorably by 53 percent, while Huckabee was viewed that way by 49 percent.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., had the highest favorable number, 57 percent, followed by Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Marco Rubio, R-Fla,. each at 55 percent.
The poll found that overall, “there is no clear frontrunner in the race.” Bush and Walker top the poll, each with 15 percent. Next is Paul at 13 percent.