Posted on 01/19/2012 9:14:19 AM PST by DestroyLiberalism
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has now surged ahead of Mitt Romney in the final Rasmussen Reports survey of the South Carolina Republican Primary race with the vote just two days away.
The latest telephone survey of Likely GOP Primary Voters in the state finds Gingrich with 33% support to Romney’s 31%. Two days ago, before the last debate, it was Romney by 14 percentage points.
Texas Congressman Ron Paul now runs third with 15% of the vote, followed by former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum at 11%. Paul's support is steady while Santorum's support has dropped five points since Monday. At the beginning of the month, just after Santorum’s strong showing in the Iowa caucuses, he ran second to Romney with 24% of the vote.
Texas Governor Rick Perry continues to run last with two percent (2%) support. He has dropped out of the race today and endorsed Gingrich. One percent (1%) of likely primary voters like some other candidate in the contest, and six percent (6%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)
The new findings come following Gingrich’s strong performance in a debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Monday night. Sarah Palin also signaled support for Gingrich which could have a significant impact in South Carolina. Two years ago, her endorsement of Nikki Haley transformed the race for governor. Ironically, now that Haley is governor, she has endorsed Romney while Palin is backing Gingrich for the moment.
The candidates will debate again in South Carolina this evening.
The race for the Republican presidential nomination is now nearly even nationally with Romney still on top with 30% support but Gingrich just three points behind at 27%. Santorum who was running second has dropped to 15%.
(Excerpt) Read more at rasmussenreports.com ...
So true! The media is vile, worse than John Edwards.
LOL! No indeed.....it shouldn't!
I hope this is the beginning of a downward spiral for the liberal democrat Romney.
You know, I’ve become so suspicious of “being played” by the media and by our political system, that I cannot help but wonder if the John King smackdown by Newt was a set-up between Newt’s campaign and CNN.
Newt’s response made a huge (good) impression on me and on many others (in the blogs I’ve read).
When it comes to politics, NOTHING surprises me anymore.
NOTHING!
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