Texas Rep. Ron Paul places fifth in the 2012 presidential race among likely Republican voters with 8 percent support, according to a new poll.

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The poll by the Pew Research Center shows Paul’s support strongest among Tea Party loyalists (13 percent), independent Republicans (13 percent), young voters (12 percent) and those who attend church less than once a week (11 percent).

The Lake Jackson Republican, who ran for president in 1988 and 2008, fares worst among older voters (5 percent), regular church-goers (5 percent), hard-core Republicans (5 percent) and Republicans who disagree with the Tea Party (5 percent).

Leading the Pew poll: fellow 2008 presidential also-rans Mitt Romney (21 percent) and Mike Huckabee (20 percent). Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (13 percent) and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (11 percent) join Paul in the second tier.

Paul says he’s mulling a 2012 presidential race. An adviser to his son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, said there’s a better than 50-50 chance that one of the Pauls will seek the presidency next year.