This has little to do with shame and certainly isn't dragging Gingrich down. If anything (at present), applying your logic with poll standings reflects how Gingrich is dragging down Santorum (a theory I also don't accept).
One of two things is occurring. Either the Country is (in fact) now more of a Liberal ideology, or money and organization (along with lots of media support) is influencing a dumbed down electorate. I subscribe to the dumbed down theory.
A Romney nomination is not only a disaster for Conservatives, it's a disaster for the entire Country as there's no way Romney defeats Obama....zip, zero, nada.
If this poll is indicative of a trend, and Romney does become the nominee, I don't know what our next step is. Do we pretend to support a terrible candidate (such as in 2008) all the way to an Obama victory or do we look for a Third Party alternative?
Do you seriously believe Santorum can beat Obama??
Senator Sharron Angle, Christine O’Donnell, where are you?
Santorum is crazier than Angle and O’Donnell.