Poll: Gingrich Sees Lead Dissolve, Ties With Romney

Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich’s status as GOP frontrunner has dissolved, according to a new CNN/ORC International poll.

Gingrich now ties with former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at 28 percent. In the previous poll, conducted between November 18th and the 20th, Gingrich lead Romney by 4 points.

Texas Congressman Ron Paul comes in third place with 14 percent. No other candidate scores double digits.

The results come amid increased scrutiny over Gingrich’s record coupled with criticism from an array of conservative illuminates. The former Speaker of the House has reportedly been scrambling to maintain his lead by beefing up his staff and committing additional time to the campaign trail.

Since the start of the Republican debates, several other candidates have emerged to become an alternative to Romney, including Texas Governor Rick Perry and former businessman Herman Cain. Both ultimately saw their leads collapse.

The poll was conducted among 436 Republicans between December 16th and 18th. It comes fifteen days before the Iowa caucuses, the first major contest of the primary season. While Gingrich has been expected to fare well in the hawkeye state, a survey released Sunday by Public Policy Polling placed him at third place, behind Ron Paul at 20 percent and Mitt Romney with 14 percent.