Heartache: Almost 2 out of 5 Iowa Republicans Don't Like Palin

While it is still very early and no one has even officially declared their candidacy, yet, this is still very telling on where Palin stands, if she decides to take the plunge:

You thought it was too early for the 2012 presidential campaign to start? Worry not -- the Des Moines Register has a poll of the state's Republicans, testing their feelings about potential GOP nominees. They tell us that "62 percent of Republicans who identified themselves as likely to vote in this week's primary election are very or mostly favorable toward [Mitt] Romney. [Sarah] Palin follows, with 58 percent very or mostly favorable about her, with [Newt] Gingrich at 56 percent." Nothing too alarming there -- before the campaign begins, it's mostly about name recognition. However, the story doesn't comment on the unfavorable numbers. Who wins there?

Hands down, it's Palin: 39 percent of Iowa Republicans have an unfavorable view of her. This is somewhat surprising given that Iowa Republicans are a socially conservative bunch, and you'd think they'd be Palin's base.

Since the Iowa Caucus is the first test for presidential hopeful to pass, a poor showing in Iowa could make or break a campaign. This could be a disaster for Palin, if she can't win a socially conservative state like Iowa. Still, we have a long way to go before the Iowa polls open. She has time to turn thing around. I would not be surpeised that, after seeing this poll, she'll be spending a lot more time in the Hawkeye State.