Gallop Poll: Romney would beat Obama. Perry would tie.

Romney has been a declared candidate for a long time. This may have given him an edge in the poll.

(The Hill) — Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) would beat President Obama among registered voters, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) would tie the president if the election were held today, according to a new Gallup Poll.

The numbers reflect a worrying slide for Obama heading into the 2012 campaign season, and the poll gives each of those four Republican candidates the ability to sell their electability to primary voters.

Obama leads each Republican among national adults, but his lead narrows or disappears among registered voters.

Romney is the only candidate to beat Obama among registered voters, 48 to 46 percent, with 6 percent undecided, according to the new Gallup poll. Perry and Obama are tied at 47 percent among registered voters, also with 6 percent undecided.