CNN Poll: Romney's South Carolina Lead Fading Fast

townhall.com ^ | 1/18/2012 | Guy Benson

[TBBT]

First, the new set of numbers out of the Palmetto State:

With three days to go until the first-in-the south primary, Mitt Romney remains in the lead in the Palmetto State, but according to a new poll, his advantage over Newt Gingrich is rapidly shrinking. A CNN/Time/ORC International poll indicates that 33% of likely South Carolina Republican primary voters say they are backing Romney, with 23% supporting Gingrich. The former Massachusetts governor's 10 point advantage over the former House speaker is down from a 19 point lead two weeks ago. According to the survey, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania is at 16%, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas is at 13%, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry stands at 6%.

If you dig into the poll itself, its results are even more troubling for Romney. This survey was conducted January 13 -17, meaning that only about 25 percent of the results was gathered after Monday's debate, which Newt won. If this data set shows a faltering lead for Romney even before the debate took place, I'd imagine that polls being taken yesterday and today will show an even greater erosion of support. We'll know soon enough; several new surveys are set to drop tomorrow. Even though the same CNN poll still shows a commanding Romney lead in Florida (he's up 43-19 over Santorum, with Gingrich in third), the surest sign that his camp is nervous is that they've gone back on offense against Newt:

[sergeantdave]

The ads showing that Romney, in his own words, is pro-abort are killing him in Baptist SC. They’ve been running in the Upstate since Thursday.

Romney is fighting for third place with Paul.

[sprotte]

I have been solidly behind Santorum since Cain was forced out of the race. I thought Gingrich had too much baggage and I felt I couldn't vote for him. In fact I have told several pollsters in the last week I was voting for Santorum. After Mondays debate, I decided I might consider Newt. He was apologetically conservative and destroyed Juan Williams in the process.
I went to the Aiken County GOP rally last night(I drove 60 miles to get there) and all of the candidates had been invited. I really wanted to hear all of the candidates especially Santorum and Perry. Well Newt was the only one to show and he hit the ball out of the park again! His remarks were were decidedly conservative and he received standing ovations for several of his answears to the questions asked to him. Remember this was not a Newt rally and there were many people who supported other candidates in attendance, and they were standing and applauding as well.
As I drove home, I thought about what I had heard him say and how he said it and I decided he would get my vote. A week ago there was no way I would have voted for him. I think he will destroy Obama in a debate. Though Newt is not perfect, I think he is the most conservative candidate that makes sense. I voted absentee today after work because I'll be out of town this Saturday. Regards.

[sprotte]

Sorry that is suppose to be unapollogically conservative!

[sprotte]

I can’t spell!!
Unapollogetically. I don’t know if that is right either but you know what i mean.

[TwelveOfTwenty]

I hear you on Newt, but you may want to have a look at the latest on Drudge. Nothing definite, but don't write off Santorum yet.

BTW, I don't think ABCNEWS is concerned about ethics, but about ambushing Newt at the most opportune moment. You be the judge.

[MayflowerMadam]

“Drop out Rick.”

I hope you mean Rick Perry. Rick Santorum had better not drop out at least until Gingrich’s ex-wife spills her guts, as Drudge indicates she might. We need a strong conservative standing by just in case Newt goes down in flames.

[RightOnTheBorder]

What happens if Newt wins SC? With it becoming apparent that Santorum won Iowa that leaves Myth with only NH to hang his hat on. Does that make Florida the decider?

[Babsig]

Your story is not alone. All week I am hearing the samething here in the G-ville area. Folks are starting to make up their minds and many are deciding for Newt. If he does not blow it in the debate tomorrow, he wins. Santorum is losing momentum. Many folks I know keep saying the same thing, they like him, but dont think he can beat Obama. And now this tax thing is starting to really hurt Romney. Internal polling is even saying he is making headway in the Lowcountry. He already has Myrtle Beach, Florence area, if he takes the Upstate, he wins...especially if he is close in Lowcountry. I’m tellin y’all he is going to take SC.

[txboss]

Drop out, Paul.

[txboss]

Drop out, Paul.

[txboss]

Drop out, Paul.

[Road Glide]

“Drop out, Paul.” x 3

A triple post, but a good ‘un!

[TFMcGuire]

South Carolina. First in Freedom-—Historically. God Grant us Grace!

[Salvation]

**Romney’s South Carolina Lead Fading Fast**

Good,.............