Will Mitt Romney win South Carolina? (creative commons)

Days ago, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney was poised for a victory that would make him one step closer to becoming the GOP nominee. In recent days, however, some polls have shown Romney behind former House Speaker Newt Gingrich after his performances in two televised debates.

Despite claims from a former wife who went to ABC earlier in the week and claimed he had asked for an open marriage, Gingrich was hopeful he could pull out a win in the state. According to the New York Times, Gingrich “exuded confidence at a series of stops in South Carolina.”

The New York Times reported higher than expected turnout at the polls early Saturday morning. The Wall Street Journal claims this could be the closest primary to date. 

Former Speaker Newt Gingrich and onetime Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum began gaining traction while Mr. Romney made a few missteps explaining his personal wealth. Then a new tally in Iowa showed Mr. Santorum won the first-in-the nation nominating contest. The result is perhaps the most uncertain moment in the Republican primaries thus far.

After the South Carolina primaries comes another debate. The candidates will meet Monday evening in Tampa, Florida.

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here