From The Daily Mail
- Gingrich has substantial lead over Romney, followed by Santorum and Paul
- Gingrich 40%, Romney 28%, Santorum 17%, Paul 13%
- Second comeback was not derailed by ex-wife's 'open marriage' allegation
- Winner criticises 'elite' in victory speech and says President Obama is 'a danger to the country
- Romney promises 'a battle for the soul of America'
Newt Gingrich has romped home to a stunning victory in the South Carolina primary, easily overcoming frontrunner Mitt Romney and setting the stage for a bitter and prolonged battle for the Republican nomination to face President Barack Obama in Monday.Exit polls gave Mr Gingrich, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, a nine-point lead over Mr Romney, the Republican establishment favourite and leader in national polls. The result was a major turnaround after surveys gave Mr Romney a 10-point lead a week ago.Since voting for Ronald Reagan in 1980, South Carolina voters have backed the eventual Republican nominee in every GOP presidential primary in the state.Celebration: The Gingrichs appeared joyful as they faced supporters and the media in South Carolina
Victory: Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista celebrate his win in the GOP's South Carolina primary
Delight: Mr Gingrich attacked Barack Obama in his speech, but had warm words for his GOP rivals
Packed: A huge crowd turned out to watch Mr Gingrich speak in the city of Columbia
Mr Gingrich, 68, overcame allegations by his second wife Marianne that he had proposed an 'open marriage' with his now-wife Callista, even turning them to his advantage in Thursday night’s debate by branding the media as 'despicable' for fixating on the allegation.That debate moment followed a commanding performance in another debate on Monday in which he won a standing ovation for comments about race, poverty and welfare. Some two-thirds of South Carolina voters said that the debates had been a factor in their decision.
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