Newt Gingrich did not just beat Mitt Romney in Saturday’s South Carolina primary, the former House speaker kicked away one of the main pillars of his rival’s campaign. Exit polling data shows Gingrich convicted voters he would be the toughest Republican opponent against President Barack Obama in the November general election. Electability – Republican campaign-speak for a candidate’s ability to beat Obama – had been one of the Romney’s emphasis on jobs and the economy and his perceived appeal to independents would help him against Gingrich, often seen as erratic and divisive.
But Gingrich’s combative style in debates resonated with voters keen for a heavyweight debater to take on Obama, grudgingly respected as a formidable campaigner. This may also be helping Gingrich’s message on the economy gain traction. South Carolina’s Republicans rated the ability to beat Obama as a candidate’s most important quality, an exit poll on CNN showed. Forty-five percent of voters said that was the main attribute they sought in a nominee. Of that group, 51% voted for Gingrich compared to 37% for Romney.
“It’s electability, and that is measured in your ability to effectively debate and prosecute your case against Obama,” said Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. Gingrich won 40% of the vote in South Carolina, Romney ran second with 28%, Rick Santorum had 17%, and Ron Paul won 13% with 99% of the vote counted.