Exit Poll Tells Story Behind Gingrich Win

By MARJORIE CONNELLY
NYT

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Concerns about the economy, the desire to defeat President Obama and Newt Gingrich’s performance in the recent debates helped voters in the South Carolina Republican primary make their decisions.

The contest was fluid until the bitter end — more than half chose their candidate within the last few days, according to a survey of voters.

Mr. Gingrich was supported by men and women alike, evangelical Christians and Roman Catholics, those who support the Tea Party and those who are neutral about it.

Mitt Romney, who until earlier last week was considered the front-runner in South Carolina, did best among moderates, the very affluent and those who oppose the Tea Party.

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