Santorum and Paul lag far behind. Here’s the final tally:
Newt Gingrich: 40%
Mitt Romney: 28%
Rick Santorum: 17%
Ron Paul: 13%
It looks like there’s a new frontrunner in town named Newt who will inevitably clinch the GOP nomination, unless he doesn’t. If Rick Santorum drops out before the Florida primary — likely, since he’s almost broke and there will be no money pouring in based on his pathetic S.C. showing — and endorses Newt, Mitt’s charred, inedible toast. Read the election details from Michael O’Brien at MSNBC’s First Read: “Gingrich wins SC GOP primary, beating Romney”