Rasmussen poll: Romney, Santorum at top in South Carolina

Mitt Romney leads in South Carolina, but Rick Santorum is within the margin of error, according to the latest data from conservative polling outlet Rasmussen.

Romney leads the GOP field at 27 percent, followed by Santorum at 24 percent, Newt Gingrich at 18 percent, and Ron Paul at 11 percent. Rounding out the field are Rick Perry at 5 percent and Jon Huntsman at 2 percent.

Santorum was polling at 1 percent in the same South Carolina survey only two months ago. The former Pennsylvania senator’s surprise finish in the Iowa caucuses, in which he came in second to Romney by only eight votes, has buoyed his poll numbers and boosted his fundraising efforts in recent days.

Santorum is also in second place nationally, according to a Rasmussen poll released Thursday, and his campaign collected $2 million in a 48-hour span this week.

Businessman Herman Cain, who dropped out of the race last month amid allegations of sexual harassment, led the November Rasmussen poll in South Carolina with 33 percent.

According to Rasmussen, the South Carolina field remains fluid, as 48 percent of likely Republican primary voters said they could still change their minds before casting a ballot on Jan. 21.

Still, a majority view Romney as the party’s eventual nominee no matter what happens in the Palmetto State. Sixty-six percent said whether they support him or not, they believe Romney will be the GOP’s 2012 candidate.

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