The lack of enthusiasm for the current field of Republican 2012 presidential hopefuls is working to the advantage of political neophyte Herman Cain. In a Public Policy Polling survey released on Wednesday, the Atlanta radio host tied with ex-Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for second place among Iowa voters.

With former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and real estate mogul Donald Trump out of the race, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is in with 21 percent of support, leaving Palin and Cain tied at 15 percent. Iowa is a critical state because it’s where the first nominating caucus takes place.

PPP pollster Tom Jenson says the polling result “says to me ... that many Republicans are looking for someone more conservative than Romney but someone who isn’t bound to get creamed in the general election the way Palin, [Rep. Michele] Bachmann and Cain probably would.”

While Romney, who officially entered the presidential race on Thursday, is considered to be the party’s presumptive front-runner, it is clear that conservatives are still looking for a dark horse with staying power. The fact that it’s taking so long gives Cain some time to establish himself as a legitimate contender in the GOP race.

(Photo: Tannen Maury/Landov)