With its expanded number of electoral votes, if the field doesn’t narrow down too much, Texas could play a key roll in determining the Republican nominee for 2012. While everyone is watching the early states like New Hampshire and Iowa we’re taking a look at a big state which could decide the ultimate outcome.

Poll Date: 5/29-6/3, 2011

Poll Method: Monitored and automated calls

Poll Sample: 882 highly active Republican voters in Texas

Margin of Error: +/- 2%

Question: If the Texas Republican primary were held today, which presidential candidate would you be most likely to vote for?

Ron Paul – 22%

Rick Perry – 17%

Herman Cain – 14%

Newt Gingrich – 11%

Gary Johnson – 9%

Mitt Romney – 8%

Michele Bachmann – 7%

Tim Pawlenty – 2%

John Huntsman – 2%

Rick Santorum – 1%

Undecided – 7%

This poll was not paid for or authorized by any campaign or political organization. Azimuth polling is a non-partisan polling company.