NEW FEATURE: Patch 'Power Outsiders' See Bachmann, Perry Gaining Most Ground

Influential Republicans in Iowa and two other early-voting states feel Michele Bachmann has gained the most ground recently following her showing in last week’s GOP debate and the Ames Straw Poll.

One-third of those responding to the new Patch-HuffPost "Power Outsiders" poll of influential voters in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina said Bachmann was seen as having done the most good for her campaign last week. Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who entered the presidential race on Saturday and campaigned in Iowa this week, finished second, with 30 percent.

Mitt Romney — who has been leading the polls in New Hampshire —finished at 8 percent.

Our Patch editors in Iowa will ask influential Republicans in the state about the presidential race each week, and we’ll report the results right here. The goal is to get a read on what real Republicans are thinking, and some early insight into who will win the nomination.

For more on this project, read the full report on our three-state survey here.

As senior polling editor Mark Blumenthal writes, "We are calling our participants 'Power Outsiders' because these are the people outside the beltway who have local influence — which means real power — as the election heats up. ... Their opinions will likely have great influence on the outcome of caucuses, primaries and elections at the precinct, county and state levels."

We’re still looking to expand our list of influential members of both parties in Iowa. If you’d like to participate, email todd.richissin@patch.com and we’ll connect you with the appropriate Patch reporter.

Follow all your Iowa caucus news on Twitter @iacaucuses