New Hampshire poll: Bachmann continues to slide

A day before she’ll appear with the rest of the 2012 GOP nomination field at a primetime debate in New Hampshire, Minnesota’s Michele Bachmann got some more unwelcome news for her campaign: In the all-important early primary state, a new poll shows the congresswoman’s support nearing new lows at just 3 percent support, leaving her in seventh place.

The poll, released Monday by the Institute of Politics at Harvard University and the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, puts Bachmann at the bottom of the field among those seeking the GOP nomination. The only candidates she bests in the survey are Gary Johnson and Rick Santorum. Also concerning for Bachmann: her name recognition rests at a strong 90 percent, potentially meaning much of the electorate has well-formed opinions about her and her candidacy.

Mitt Romney leads the pack in the survey with 38 percent support. He’s trailed by Herman Cain at 20 percent, Ron Paul at 13 percent, Newt Gingrich at 5 percent and Rick Perry and Jon Huntsman at 4 percent.

The survey is yet another poor showing for Bachmann who has seen her poll numbers fall in national and state-based surveys since her peak in late summer. Her campaign has also seen a number of staff shake-ups in recent weeks and is thought to have been dealing fundraising difficulties as well. Fundraising reports for all candidates are due this Friday at the latest, and Bachmann’s totals will be closely watched.