I suppose it was only a matter of time before Newt made his surge in the polls. We've seen Bachmann, Perry, and Cain all spike in the polls before being beaten back by increased scrutiny by the media. The interesting thing about Gingrich is that his whole political career has been on display for decades, making it less likely that some new surprises will pop up. However, there are a couple of things about Gingrich that I think will make him an unpalatable choice for Republican primary voters.
For religious conservatives, his infidelity and multiple marriages will be a glaring character flaw that's hard to ignore. For more independent minded Republicans, his time as Speaker of the House during the Government Shutdown in the Clinton Administration is seen as a failure of compromise - something that ultimately hurt Republicans with voters. For the 'Neoconservatives,' a group Newt essentially created, he is a beacon of hope in an otherwise circus-like Presidential field, but he is far too 'Establishment' to be trusted.
Whatever happens in January, when the Caucus and Primary season begins, Newt will inevitably use his current poll standings to try and sneak away with the nomination. However, he has little time to get Republicans united behind him. With such a splintered primary electorate, it will be difficult for any candidate to rally all of the troops. However, I don't think it's a good idea to count Newt out, despite those challenges.
At the end of the day, the only constant in the Republican electorate is that a vast majority are looking for someone - anyone - other than Mitt Romney. If Mr. Gingrich can keep his poll numbers up, he may have a chance to get the nomination. Though, when the next round of national polling comes out, I'm betting he won't fare will with the general electorate, thus almost ensuring an Obama victory next November.
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