Poll: Gingrich leads in South Carolina, Florida

Newt Gingrich leads Mitt Romney in South Carolina and Florida, according to a new poll released Monday.

The new survey by NBC News-Marist shows Gingrich pulling ahead of Romney in two key, early-voting states but still trailing President Obama in a general election. 

{mosads}Gingrich leads with 28 percent to Romney’s 22 percent among South Carolina’s likely Republican primary voters. The rest of the field falls well behind, with Ron Paul taking third place with 9 percent. Among the 14 percent undecided, 40 percent are leaning toward Gingrich.

In a hypothetical match-up between Obama and Gingrich as the Republican nominee, registered voters were closely divided, at 46-42. Similarly, a race between Obama and Romney as the Republican nominee polled at 45-42 in the state.

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In Florida, Newt Gingrich earned 39 percent among likely Republican primary voters, although Obama is soundly beating him 51-39 among registered voters surveyed. Romney won 26 percent of GOP voters in the state, followed again by Paul with 9 percent and with 14 percent undecided. Obama and Romney run a tighter race there in a hypothetical match-up at 48-41.

South Carolina’s primary is set for Jan. 21, and follows those of Iowa and New Hampshire. Florida’s is set for Jan. 31.