Gingrich Jumps Into the Lead

A new Quinnipiac poll finds Newt Gingrich jumping to the front of the GOP presidential field with 26%, followed by Mitt Romney at 22% and Herman Cain at 14%.

Key finding: 48% of Republican voters say that that among all GOP contenders he has the knowledge and experience necessary to be president, compared to Romney’s 22%.

Said pollster Peter Brown: “When it comes to the Republican horse race, the scenario hasn’t changed much over the past few months – just the players. Speaker Newt Gingrich is the latest GOP contender to rise to the top, powered by conservatives who remain skeptical about Gov. Mitt Romney.”

Meanwhile, in general election match ups, President Obama edges Romney, 45% to 44%, beats Gingrich, 49% to 40%, and crushes Cain, 50% to 37%.