Story highlights Donald Trump leads a new NBC/WSJ poll published Sunday

Chris Christie, John Kasich and Rick Perry are on the bubble for making the Fox News debate on Thursday

Washington (CNN) Businessman Donald Trump is still riding high in a new poll, just days ahead of the much anticipated first GOP presidential primary debate.

He drew 19% support in the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll published Sunday, ahead of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker at 15% and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush at 14%

Those three were followed by neurosurgeon Ben Carson at 10%, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz at 9%, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at 6% each and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio at 5%.

When those surveyed were asked for their second choice, Bush led with 16%, while Carson, Rubio and Trump each had 11% support.

The most consequential finding in the poll, however, was what it means for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who are locked in a three-way battle for the last two spots on the stage in Thursday's first Republican presidential debate.

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