Bachmann’s standing among Republicans improves in aftermath of debate

Michele Bachmann's favorability ratings among Republicans jumped in the aftermath of her better-than-expected 2012 debate performance last week.

A new AP/GfK poll released Thursday found that Bachmann's approval rating went from 41 percent to 54 percent among Republicans in the last month. Meanwhile, Tim Pawlenty's favorability increased 10 points, to 43 percent—thanks in part to a boost in support from self-described tea party supporters.

Newt Gingrich's poll numbers continued to freefall. His approval rating plunged nearly 20 points in a single month, going from 61 percent to just 43 percent approval among Republicans.

The poll found that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman--who announced his presidential candidacy earlier this week--still remains largely unknown to most GOP voters. Fifty-nine percent of those polled had no opinion about him, down six points from last month. But in what could be a dangerous sign for his campaign, his unfavorable rating slightly increased among those who do know him—going from 11 percent to 17 percent in a single month.

GOP frontrunner Mitt Romney has the highest favorability rating among candidates currently in the race, with 61 percent. But Sarah Palin, whose 2012 intentions remain a mystery, still has a slightly better standing among Republicans, with 63 percent approval.

All told, 52 percent of Republicans said they were "satisfied" with the GOP field—an 11-point increase since last month. But there were more ominous numbers among the general electorate, with 57 percent of independents saying they were "dissatisfied."

(Photo of Bachman: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)