Newt Gingrich Has Clear Lead in Iowa, Poll Shows
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has carved out a clear lead in what’s become a three-candidate race in Iowa, according to The Des Moines Register’s new Iowa Poll.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul has risen into second place, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has slid to third with just over a month before the Iowa caucuses kick off voting in the presidential nominating process.
Gingrich has support from 25% of likely Republican caucusgoers, Paul is at 18% and Romney at 16%.
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann ties with retired Georgia business executive Herman Cain at 8%.
The poll was conducted before Cain suspended his candidacy on Saturday.
Rounding out the field: Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania at 6% each, and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman at 2%.
Selzer & Co. of Des Moines conducted the poll of 401 likely Republican caucusgoers Nov. 27-30. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.
Gingrich’s support stood at just 7% in the most recent Iowa Poll, conducted Oct. 23-26. His rapid rise mirrors Cain’s dramatic fall. Cain led the October Iowa Poll, with 23% support.
Even before polling began, Cain’s numbers had sagged from his October heights as he battled accusations of sexual harassment and perceptions that he lacked knowledge on foreign policy issues.
