Poll: Hillary 53, Jeb Bush 41

The poll shows a wide gulf between the more conservative activists, who make up part of the GOP base, and the party’s more moderate voters.

Among Republicans who identify as “very conservative,” Huckabee is the clear leader, favored by 21 percent. A former Baptist minister whose faith has helped propel his political career, Huckabee is especially strong among white evangelical Protestants, winning 22 percent of that group.

Paul runs second among the “very conservative” at 13 percent, with Cruz and Rubio close behind at 11 and 10 percent. Cruz built a national following with a Senate filibuster over President Obama’s health-care law that led to last fall’s partial federal government shutdown. But among Republicans who call themselves “somewhat conservative,” moderate or liberal, Cruz’s support slips to 4 percent.

The poll shows a reverse trend for Bush. While just 7 percent of “very conservative” Republicans and GOP-leaning independents favor the former governor, 18 percent of “somewhat conservative” Republicans and 14 percent of moderates and liberals choose Bush.