New Poll Shows Ron Paul Now Leading in Iowa; Gingrich Plummets to Third; Santorum Moving Up – 12/19/11

A new Public Policy Polling survey out of Iowa shows Rep. Ron Paul now leading in the state just two weeks ahead of voting in the January 3, 2012 Iowa Caucuses. Newt Gingrich, who had led in Iowa over the past month, has now plummeted to third place.

Ron Paul leads Mitt Romney 23%-20%, with Newt Gingrich now at 14%. Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, and Rick Santorum are now all tied at 10%. That’s a significant increase for Santorum, who appears to have some real momentum in Iowa at least, though that is not yet showing up in National polls.

The 10-day average of polls in Iowa is now a virtual 3-way tie for first place in Iowa. Gingrich is at 20.3%, Ron Paul at 19.3%, and Mitt Romney at 18.3%. With Gingrich falling, Ron Paul has an open path to victory in Iowa.