Romney and Gingrich Lose, Paul Gains In Recent New Hampshire Poll

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have lost ground in the latest New Hampshire poll while Texas Congressman Ron Paul gained traction.

A new poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports released today reveals Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul closing in on Newt Gingrich for second place with 18 percent to 22 percent of the vote, respectively. 

Newt Gingrich suffered the greatest plunge in recent polling numbers where he fell from 24% in November to 22% in the most recent December poll.

Mitt Romney's polling numbers have been steadily declining since his 41% high in October which fell to 34% in November and now holds at 33% in December.

Ron Paul's polling numbers have seen just the opposite during the same time period (11% in October, 14% in November, and now 18% in December).

Just like a recent Iowa poll, the New Hampshire poll is significant because it shows Gingrich losing momentum as fast as he gained it when Herman Cain dropped out of the GOP race.

The sudden drop in the polls for Newt Gingrich could reflect that, as temporary frontrunner for the last two months, his adultery and ties to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have been brought to the forefront of recent debates, including the ABC Republican debate held last week.

The poll also shows that former GOP establishment favorite Mitt Romney is losing popularity as more and more voters get to know him.

The race remains a close one going into the New Hampshire elections as the margin of error for the most recent Rasmussen poll is +/- 4 percentage points.

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