A new Gallup poll released Friday shows some of the brightest stars so far of the 2012 Republican presidential race — at least in terms of people knowing who they are. This year’s winner, so far, in the name recognition race is businessman Herman Cain, who was known to only 21 percent of Republicans in March, but who’s risen 27 points to 48 percent recognition level in the two weeks ending July 3 – the biggest jump for any candidate so far. Former Utah Gov. John Huntsman‘s gains have also been significant, though smaller than Cain’s, with a current 42 ercent name identification level. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann climbed from 54 percent to 74 percent on name recognition, and Tim Pawlenty’s name recognition rose 18 points in March to 58 percent today.
