Pew Research Center

Gingrich Leads, But Likely GOP Primary Voters Have Not Ruled Out Romney

Tepid Support for Both Leading Candidates

December 13, 2011

Newt Gingrich holds a substantial 35% to 21% lead over Mitt Romney among Republican and Republican-leaning independent voters who say they are very likely to vote in the GOP primaries or caucuses, according to the latest national survey conducted Dec. 7-11 by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.

But clear majorities say there is at least a chance they would vote for either Gingrich or Romney in Republican primaries in their state. None of the other Republican candidates draws nearly as much potential support.

The survey finds that neither Gingrich nor Romney is drawing much in the way of strong support. Just 29% of Republican and Republican-leaning voters who favor Gingrich for the nomination support him strongly; 69% support him "only moderately." Similarly, far fewer GOP voters support Romney strongly (33%) than support him only moderately (66%). Support for both Gingrich and Romney is softer than was support for the leading GOP candidates four years ago.

See the full report for detailed results of the survey, including the stance of Tea Party Republicans, the gender gap in support for Gingrich and Romney, and who Republicans think has the best chance to win a race against President Obama.

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