Reversal of Fortune … Newt Gingrich Takes Lead in Florida Primary Polls

Newt Gingrich on a roll …

What a difference a South Carolina primary makes … Prior to the primary, the RCP average of polling was Romney 40.5%, Gingrich 22.0%, Santorum 15.0& and Paul 9.0%, or a +18.5% lead by Romney.

Flash-forward to present day and the RCP average polling is Gingrich 37.7%, Romney 30.3%, Santorum 11.7 % and Paul 10.3%. The Newtster now finds himself at +7.4% or a near 26% turnaround. No wonder Romney and his surrogates are in full attack against Gingrich and felt the need for Romney to finally release his tax returns.

According to PPP’s first poll following the SC Primary, Newt is up by 5%.

PPP’s first post-South Carolina poll in Florida finds Newt Gingrich with a small lead.  He’s at 38% to 33% for Mitt Romney, 13% for Rick Santorum, and 10% for Ron Paul.

Gingrich has gained 12 points since a PPP poll conducted in Florida a week ago. Romney has dropped 8 points. Paul and Santorum have pretty much remained in place. Their favorability numbers show similar trendlines. Gingrich’s has increased 8 points from +15 (51/36) to +23 (57/34). Meanwhile Romney’s has declined 13 points from +44 (68/24) to +31 (61/30).

At Rasmussen, Gingrich leads by Romney by 9 points, 41% to 32%.  WOW, just two weeks ago Mitt Romney had a 22% lead. Just a few days ago pundits were saying, if Romney wins SC, does that mean its all over and he has wrapped up the GOP nomination. Now, we learn that Santorum really won Iowa, Newt wins handily in SC and Gingrich prior to the first debate in the Sunshine state is up big in Florida. One now has to ask the question, if Newt Gingrich wins big in FLA, is the race over?

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Florida Republican Primary Voters, taken Sunday evening, finds Gingrich earning 41% of the vote with Romney in second at 32%. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum runs third with 11%, while Texas Congressman Ron Paul attracts support from eight percent (8%). Nine percent (9%) remain undecided.(To see survey question wording, click here).