Iowa conservatives give former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee the highest favorability rating among potential 2012 presidential candidates, according to the most recent Des Moines Register Iowa Poll.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in Des Moines last year promoting another book.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in Des Moines last year.

Huckabee, who won the 2008 Iowa Caucuses, is viewed favorably by 70 percent of Republicans. That outpaces Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who is viewed favorably by 60 percent of Republicans. Former Massachussetts governor and 2008 caucus runner-up Mitt Romney comes in at 58 percent.

When all voters are factored in, Huckabee’s favorability rating falls to 54 percent, with 22 percent unfavorable. Palin’s favorability falls to 37 percent, with 55 percent unfavorable. Romney comes in at 40 percent favorable and 32 percent unfavorable.

Should Huckabee or Palin decide to enter the 2012 Republican presidential primary, these numbers would put them in the front of the pack.

The Iowa Poll also looked at Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and former New York Gov. George Pataki.