Pence-Palin presidential ticket in 2012 is top choice among social conservatives in straw poll

Pence is tops in conservatives’ straw vote

WASHINGTON — A straw vote suggests that social conservatives favor Indiana Rep. Mike Pence to head a Republican presidential ticket with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in 2012.

About 723 out of more than 2,000 registered attendees cast Saturday at the annual Values Voter Summit. Pence was the top choice for president with 24 percent of the vote.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, received 22 percent, followed by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Palin.

Palin was given the honors for vice president. She came in second behind Pence, who also topped that category.

Those casting ballots also listed their top issues: abortion, government spending, repeal of Obama’s health overhaul, protection of religious liberty and national security.