Bachmann and Romney lead in the first Des Moines Register Iowa Poll on the Republican 2012 presidential field:

• Romney 23%
• Bachmann 22%
• Cain 10%
• Gingrich 7%
• Paul 7%
• Pawlenty 6%
• Huntsman 2%

Bachmann and Romney gained momentum from their strong performances during the June 13, Republican Presidential Debate in New Hampshire.

There are still six months before the February 6, 2012 Iowa Caucuses, but two things are clear.

The Iowa Poll results are great news for TEA Party favorite Michele Bachmann. She will build on her momentum as she launches her presidential campaign today with a tour of Iowa, New Hampshire and North Carolina.

Pawlenty’s sixth place finish is disappointing to say the least. Not nearly good enough considering Pawlenty has spent 26 days in Iowa during this election cycle, has hired a first rate team of Iowa campaign operatives and was the first major candidate to air television ads in Iowa.