All knotted in 2012 GOP race

There's no clear frontrunner for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination.

That's the conclusion of Public Policy Polling's (D) first national survey of the next Republican presidential field. Mitt Romney, who some see as the early frontrunner, is at 28 percent; Mike Huckabee is at 24 and Sarah Palin is at 23.

Rep. Ron Paul (D-Texas) brings up the rear with the requisite 11 percent. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty wasn't named in the poll, nor was former House Speaker Newt Gingrich or any other potential 2012 hopeful.

The national polls, of course, mean little when it comes down to it. But it's interesting to see all the contenders cluttered like they are at this point.

Romney has shown big leads in some key states, but it looks like he's going to avoid the inevitability narrative for now, which is probably a good thing for him.