Though Reagan concluded his presidency in 1989 and passed away 15 years later, the so-called golden boy of the Republican Party emerged from relative obscurity Wednesday to secure 21% approval from those polled in Iowa.
The sudden emergence of Reagan as a viable 2012 presidential candidate follows similar highly unlikely poll jumps in recent months, with a Christian evangelist, a former pizza mogul and a mother of 28 children enjoying moments in the political limelight.
Speaking on former President Reagan's behalf, former First Lady Nancy Reagan said that grass roots campaigning in Iowa was behind her late husband's resurgence, but would not be drawn on how she viewed his chances of landing the White House.
"I am obviously delighted that Ronny is doing so well," she said. "Iowans have sent out a clear message: that they are sick of Obama; that they want a leader who can fix the economy. Who better than Ronny?"
"I just wish he was still with us. He'd be so proud of himself."
According to the most recent poll, Iowans rank Reagan in third place, closely behind former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Texas congressman Ron Paul.
Romney was quick to acknowledge his new rival, but played down Reagan's chances of winning in Iowa.
"With all due respect to President Reagan, it would be highly unconstitutional to elect someone who is deceased - even if he was the greatest leader for generations. That said, if I myself am unsuccessful in Iowa, he certainly gets my vote."
Image credit: public domain.