Poll: Perry's SC Campaign Remains Strong Despite Struggles

Gov. Rick Perry's campaign, launched in South Carolina and immediately jumped to frontrunner status in the state, now is mired in the single-digits after poor debate performances and the rise of competitors.

But according to our weekly GOP Power Outsiders poll, conducted by The Huffington Post and Patch, Perry remains in contention in the Palmetto State — based on his ground game.

When influential conservatives across the state were asked who has the best organized ground game, 28 percent of them said Perry. Former Sen. Rick Santorum and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tied at second with 14 percent.

The poll found that while former Gov. Mitt Romney, considered the national frontrunner for the GOP nomination, wins plaudits for the strongest organization in New Hampshire, the respondents rank his campaign far lower in Iowa and South Carolina. In South Carolina, only 5 percent said he had the best ground game, putting him in a three-way tie for fifth.

Gingrich continues to , but Perry in the high single-digits still puts him within reach, depending on what happens to businessman Herman Cain and undecided voters.