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Subscribe to RSSWith about four weeks until the first Republican presidential nominating contest, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has surged to the lead in Iowa and has climbed nearly 20 percentage points in New Hampshire since October, according to new NBC News-Marist polls.
Meanwhile, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has seen his support drop in both states.
In Iowa, which holds its caucuses on Jan. 3, Gingrich gets the support of 26 percent of likely caucus-goers (including those leaning towards a candidate) -- a 21-point jump since October.
Read the NBC News-Marist poll Iowa Annotated Questionnaire
He’s followed by Romney at 18 percent (an eight-point decline), Texas Rep. Ron Paul at 17 percent (a five-point increase), Herman Cain at 9 percent (an 11-point drop) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 9 percent (a two-point dip). No other Republican presidential candidate gets more than 5 percent support among likely caucus-goers.
With Cain’s decision to suspend his campaign -- which he announced on Saturday -- a reallocation of his supporters’ second-choice picks puts Gingrich ahead of the Iowa horse race with 28 percent; Paul and Romney are tied at 19 percent; and Perry lands at 10 percent. (The NBC-Marist polls were conducted before Cain suspended his campaign.)
Among all Republican respondents in Iowa, the breakdown is Gingrich with 25 percent, Romney at 18 percent and Paul at 16 percent.
Romney still leads in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, which holds its primary on Jan. 10, Romney continues to lead, getting the support of 39 percent of likely GOP primary voters. But that’s a six-point decline since October.
Romney is followed in the Granite State by Gingrich at 23 percent (a 19-point gain), Paul at 16 percent (a three-point increase), and former Utah Gov. Huntsman at 9 percent (a four-point jump). No other Republican candidate gets more than 3 percent support.
Read the NBC News-Marist poll New Hampshire Annotated Questionnaire
The decision by Cain -- who is at 2 percent support in New Hampshire -- to suspend his campaign doesn’t change the race there all that much: Romney stays at 39 percent, while Gingrich moves one point to 24 percent.
Among all New Hampshire Republicans, the breakdown is Romney with 40 percent, Gingrich with 21 percent, Paul with 16 percent, and Huntsman at 10 percent.
What’s hurting Romney
What appears to be hurting Romney: perceptions of his ideology and his record as Massachusetts governor.
A combined 71 percent of likely Republican caucus-goers in Iowa, as well as a combined 71 percent of likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire, view Romney as either “moderate” or “liberal.”
Among Iowa Republicans identifying with the Tea Party -- who make up about half of all likely caucus-goers -- Gingrich leads Romney, 32 percent to 11 percent. And among Tea Party Republicans in New Hampshire, Gingrich and Romney are tied at 33 percent each.
What’s more, 63 percent of likely Iowa caucus-goers and 60 percent of likely New Hampshire primary voters say it’s unacceptable if a presidential candidate supports an individual health-care mandate (as Romney helped enact in Massachusetts).
By comparison, 47 percent of likely Iowa caucus-goers and 41 percent of likely New Hampshire primary voters say it’s unacceptable if a candidate favors some sort of limited legalization -- or “amnesty” -- for illegal immigrants living in the United States (as Gingrich has suggested he supports).
Measuring Obama
Turning to the general election in Iowa and New Hampshire, President Barack Obama’s approval rating remains underwater in both states.
Forty-three percent of registered voters in Iowa approve of his job performance, which is up one point from October. In New Hampshire, 40 percent of registered voters approve of his job performance, up two points.
Yet -- with one exception -- he leads all GOP challengers in hypothetical match-ups in the Hawkeye State. He’s ahead of Romney by seven points among registered voters (46 percent to 39 percent), Gingrich by 10 points (47 percent to 37 percent) and Perry by 11 points (48 percent to 37 percent).
The one exception: Paul ties him at 42 percent for each.
In New Hampshire, Romney leads Obama by three points (46 percent to 43 percent), although that’s down from Romney’s nine-point advantage in October.
But Obama leads all other Republicans in the state -- Paul (by two points), Gingrich (by 10) and Perry (by 15).
The Iowa NBC-Marist survey was conducted Nov. 27-29 of 2,896 registered voters (margin of error of plus-minus 1.8 percentage points) 916 Republicans (plus-minus 3.2 percentage points) and 425 likely GOP caucus-goers (plus-minus 4.8 percentage points.
The New Hampshire poll was conducted Nov. 28-30 of 2,263 registered voters (plus-minus 2.1 percentage points), 967 total Republicans (plus-minus 3.2 percentage points) and 696 likely GOP primary voters (plus-minus 3.7 percentage points).
Mark Murray covers politics for NBC News.
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If we Americans keep electing the same bought and paid for politicians over and over again we can expect more of the same. Look where the money comes from to elect these people and wonder who they will owe.
More of same insures our liberties will be trashed in the name of the state who will con many Americans into thinking they are likely to be harmed or killed by terrorists when you are much more likely be be killed by a million other causes.
If you leave people alone and quit trying to be a police state for us and around the world, maybe our government wouldn't be hated so much by so many. Look at congress approval ratings. They, Government just needs to get out of the way and America will have a chance.
I have always believed you don't bring a knife to gun fight. Use some of the money being wasted overseas an develop technology that makes the US virtually invincible and leave everyone alone in the mean time.
There is a lot of money to made until the system collapses by those in power if they can get us just support them a little longer. Would be interesting to see what really rich people are doing with their dollars which will be heading south in value fast and very soon! Be smart, give America a chance and Vote Ron Paul and let's do something different. History clearly shows that the status quo is not working Ron Paul 2012
Don't forget about the Newt's wife -Callista Biseks
Or as Rush would say - Callista Bi-seks ....
How does Rush feel about Newt??
"How does Rush feel about Newt??"
He probably gets out that bottle of pills he took on his Carribean frolic when he thinks about Newt.
Follow up.
Just heard on the news that a US drone was just shot down in Iran and is in good shape. If true who will get access this this advanced technology and use it against us. Chinese like in Afghanistan with the stealth chopper? We should not be there and there will be unintended consequences for all actions that are likely to be far more dangerous that just staying out of other countries. Let's follow the constitution and vote for someone who will. Ron Paul.
Newsflash: Taliban capture NATO flush toilet. When they figure it out, beware.
Voting for parties over principles is a symptom of being brainwashed. Labeling people and name-calling is an symptom of bigotry.
That sounds a little condescending there, Cookie. Would you have said that when George Wallace was labeled as a bigot as he spewed hatred?
Alternatively, you could look at it as. "tell it like it is!" Maybe it is time to stand up and shout down the traitors. These corrupt sleaze bags label themselves for anyone who looks deeper than the FOX propaganda reports about them.
I agree. My point is, we should be focusing on the candidates records and actions, NOT their political party affiliation. There is corruption and dishonesty in any party, and to rule someone out because of this "label" is narrow-minded and ignorant.
the very fact we even have to have this discussion is sad cookie and tex, I guess that saying common sense isn't so common is spot on.
Ok so if newt is a self-proclaimed "frugal millionaire" I have this question to ask: WTF is wrong with your heads republicans??!! Seriously, you swallow every bit of @!$%# that is silver-spoon fed to you. ...Oh, maybe like the one about giving more money to the millionaire "job creators"... newt just told you he's frugal. do you think if you give him more of your hard earned money he will go hire a bunch of people? for @!$%#s sakes people do the math!
This country is filled with bigots. it has come down to "we will vote for anybody as long as they aren't morman. and the republican party knows this so they will build up anyone even Newt.
Gee, I remember when Clinton was President (balanced budget-no wars-lots of jobs) the Right led by Newt screamed impeach the adulterer!! Now it is ok since it one of theirs? Oh did i mention the Republicans through Newt out of the House, but Tea Baggers will vote for anybody who spouts rhetoric out of the side of their mouth - hypocrites
GFY
MP-3038261,
GFthyself as well and merry Christmas
Oh, did I hit too close to home??
Absolutely right, Rule. The most hypocritical act I can think of in recent memory was when Newt would scream about Clinton's adultery during the day and then go sleep with someone not-his-wife that very same day.
(BTW ... Don't condone or deny Clinton's adultery, but I do say it was a relatively weak moment that was blown way out of proportion for crass political reasons.)
that was blown way out of proportion
HAHAHA! and i thought GFY meant good for you!
The fact Newt is now being re-considered speaks volumes about the weakness of the GOP field and the viablilty of their party in general. They made a deal with the tea party to make gains in 2010, squandered those gains in a gamble that Americans would be oblivious to their obstructionism, and now are set to watch the Dems crush them in 2012. And Ron Paul? Sorry, but a serial candidate is not a serious candidate.
Say anything to get elected, so much for the christain vote voting for those high morals. That's right, he said sorry, so all is forgiven, see who his next target is.
I see it as a simple choice - a. What's best for me personally in the next 4 years -(Electing Obama and sticking it to anyone who makes more money then me!!!!) - Or b. what's best for the country (electing any fiscally conservative candidate who'll reel in, out of control, gov't spending) - I still haven't decided which way I'm going on this, But I really like the Idea of making people who have more then me pay through the nose for it... ;-)
Bart!!!
Reasonable thinking ... but wrong history. Republicans are MUCH more likely to spend us into oblivion.
http://jimcgreevy.com/gvdc/Natl_Debt_Chart.html
Twas the week before Christmas,and all through the RIGHT
They were licking there wounds from there own ugly fight
Herman was gone and with that they were fine,they wouldn't have to listen to that old 999
Newty was happy,ahead in the race,Regardless of baggage and marital disgrace
Mitt was a panic,this just can not be !! Why in the HECK does no one like me ?
Huntsman was stuck in last place with great care,in hopes that his money would get him somewhere
When all of the sudden there was such a clatter,Ron Paul had arose to empty his bladder
A shouting Santorum said,"not on my shoe!!"this whole damn campaign has gone that way too
So while mitty was flipping and flopping thru hoops
Rick Perry kept dropping,because of his OOOPs
Michelle was in trouble,her campaign it seemed thru,but her eyes were wide open,(she used super glue)
So while Santa was flying away with his elves,he yelled "your all screwed...Obama in '12'........." Merry Christmas all !!
Cowboy, you gotta stop it!!!! my sides are hurting!!! I just knocked over my favorite guitar rolling on the floor!!!!
LMFAO!!!
Cowboy, you have my vote for most creative post of the day.
love it!!
thanks...sorry about the guitar fuzzy...
hysterical !! some creativity in this blog!
GREAT!!! Just GREAT!!!!
Keep it up Cowboy!!
I don't agree with most of it but it was very well written cowboy17 good job!
Newt can't even decide what religion he is. Brought up Lutheran, became a Baptist after grad school, then converted to Callista's faith, Catholicism. Watch out Jewish folks, he may head your way next.
Callista is 45. Newt is 68. I wonder what she sees in him.
Could she be a "GOLD DIGGER"?????????????
Republicans have this thing about dirty old men.
Remember, McCain ditched the wife who waited for him while he was in a North VietNam prison because she was injured in an auto accident and just wasn't what he needed anymore. And then married a younger, rich beer heiress who really, really wanted to be first lady. (In that case, it was the male half who was the gold digger.)
So much for integrity! Is this the best that the Republicans can muster! As we are bombarded by lying propaganda about Obama, they support a documented, dishonest, sleazy, corrupt, professional politician who brags about become immensely wealthy while on the public payroll. LOL. If the ignorant right wing poverty level supporters cannot get a grip on this reality, they deserve the life they are doomed to live.
Ron Paul is almost within the margin or error for such polls yet Gingrich has "taken control"????? These media BS artist are really full of themselves thinking that they can control the elections with such crazy headlines.
Another republican dirt bag riding the tide, wonder when he will eat his own crap, soon I hope.
Newt? Surely, we can do better at the plate.
The perfect Republican candidate, Serial cheater, Divorced his wife on her hospital bed no less, Ex-Lobbiest who made millions off of the economic collapse and corporations that caused it, Kicked OUT of Congress,,,,,Now that takes some doing!!
Hahahaha,,,,,,,Wanna see Obama skip his way into a second term grinning???
VOTE FOR NEWT!!!!!!!!
Republicans have the one honest candidate that has followed the Constitution (Ron Paul), yet they're still so dumb they'll vote for Gingrich while completely ignoring the fact that he's taken millions in bribes from Freddie Mac and should be in prison.
Ron Paul??? Uhhhhh,,,,Have you looked at his record?? Whatever he says you can almost bet the farm he will do the opposite.
What are you talking about? Examples, please.
.
No lady that enjoys time out of her kitchen and bedroom and maternity ward would dare vote for this clown...
Newts lead means one thing...two weeks until they start dating Huntsman.
I'm just somewhat curious, what attributes exactly now, does Newt have as the front-runner he didn't have 6 months ago when he was in the doghouse?
DiHrd, Don't cut your wrists 11/12
Libs might die laughing, Doubt many wrist will be cut, LOL
Newt is the "best" Republicans have to offer?? Come on now, LOL
BO, Be serious. It won't take much to beat the "incompetent one" with no record to run on. Blaming anything with a pulse just ain't gonna work.
It would appear that a hypocrite appeals to hypocrites. No big surprise there.
i am glad Republicans are being practical. The fact that he violated the sanctity of marriage THREE TIMES and committed adultery many times in marriage is not an issue. IT says Republicans are becoming like the rest of us. Screw the party of values.
1. The Newt Gingrich campaign is more than a million dollars in debt.
2. Newt Gingrich is the first and only House speaker ever to be disciplined for ethics violations, and ordered to pay a $300,000 fine.
3. Not to mention the other despicable moral and ethical issues evidenced by his voting record, public comments and personal life.
How can someone who can't even manage his campaign fix our economy? I can't believe ANYBODY considers him for President for even a nanosecond. He is the epitomy of a smooth-talking, two-faced corrupted politician.
Simply Not True.
Angry, what is not true?!?!
Wait for the record of the Millions made from insider trades.