Pawlenty in 2012? Not if Palin is still kicking

Rasmussen Reports has a new poll out analyzing Gov. Sarah Palin's performance as a vice-presidential candidate and her future in national politics. If Minn. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has plans to run in 2012, he's got a beast of a candidate to compete against. Apparently Republicans still love Palin, even if she doesn't know that Africa is a continent.

While Gov. Tim Pawlenty is already getting some good press and strong buzz from the local media, his national poll numbers aren't looking so hot.

In the Rasmussen poll, 64 percent said Palin would be the best candidate in 2012.

The next closest contenders are two former governors and unsuccessful challengers for the presidential nomination this year -- Mike Huckabee of Arkansas with 12 percent support and Mitt Romney of Massachusetts with 11 percent.

And what about our T. Paw? He got 1 percent.

Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Charlie Crist of Florida also had low single-digit support.

Bummer. Pawlenty could always hope for a quick rise to the top as a relatively unknown just like Barack Obama. Taking the Republicans by storm!