Limbaugh, Gingrich, Cheney Speak For Republicans In New Poll

June 11, 2009 8:03 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A new, open-ended survey finds three men who don't currently hold political office, or even offices within the GOP, are seen as the standard bearers for the Republican party. In a Gallop poll, when asked to name the "main person who speaks for the Republican party today," Americans picked Rush Limbaugh, Newt Gingrich, and Dick Cheney.

Limbaugh is a conservative radio host, Gingrich was the House Speaker over a decade ago and Cheney is no longer the Vice President - meaning actual Republican leaders like RNC Chairman Michael Steele, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) or even House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) aren't on the forefront of American minds.

Among Republicans, 10% say Limbaugh and Gingrich speak for the party, while 9% named Cheney. Only 6% named Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) who lost to President Barack Obama in November.

Democrats largely agree with Republicans; 18% say Limbaugh speaks for the GOP, while 12% say Cheney comes to mind, followed by 4% for Gingrich and 5% for both McCain and former President George W. Bush.