Ron Paul, Michele Bachmann Surge in Latest Iowa Poll

Minnesota’s Michele Bachmann leads GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney by three percent in Iowa, according to a poll conducted by the American Research Group. Bachmann leads the former Massachusetts governor 21% to 18%.

Coming only a month before the crucial Iowa Straw Poll on August 13, the survey of 600 likely Republican caucus-goers shows Texas Rep. Ron Paul surging at 14 percent — a significant increase in support for the three-time presidential candidate since April.

The poll, conducted between July 5-11, showed Sarah Palin at 11%, a vast improvement since April when a similar poll showed the former Alaska governor languishing at 4 percent.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is favored by 8 percent of those polled, while former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum moved up to 5 percent.

The biggest losers appear to be former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and ex-Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain, both of whom received only 2 percent. Pawlenty has invested heavily in Iowa and a disastrous showing in next month’s straw poll could seriously damage his ability to continue in the race.