The Hiller Instinct: Gingrich surges in Suffolk Poll

And it could happen! Newt Gingrich is surging, while Mitt Romney is struggling in our exclusive 7News-Suffolk University poll. Romney is still on top, with 38%...but Gingrich has leapt into second, with 20%. Jon Huntsman is third, with 13%, while Ron Paul has 8; Michelle Bachmann 3; Rick Santorum 2, and Rick Perry 1.

Since our September poll, Gingrich has jumped from 4 to 20...up five times!...while Romney has dropped from 41 to 38 percent...down three.

"Age and geography are driving the Gingrich surge. Older voters--who remember Gingrich when he was in Washington and had power--and southern New Hampshire voters--this was an area that was untouchable--Mitt Romney all along led by wide margins...not anymore," Professor David Paleologos, Suffolk University pollster said.

Our poll also reveals how GOP primary voters compare Romney and Gingrich.

Asked who'd do a better job with foreign policy, it's Gingrich 46...Romney 34.

Fix the economy? Romney 59...Gingrich 20.

And whose personality is best suited to be president? Romney 70...Gingrich 16.

"Smart" and "untrustworthy" are the two words most often associated with Gingrich...

While "businessman" and "flip-flops" are the top words voters use to describe Romney.

"It tells me that New Hampshire voters know these candidates both very well--their strengths and weaknesses. And what this is a struggle between the conservatives and the moderates of the party to find out who best can run against Barack Obama," Paleologos said.

Romney is entering a danger zone in New Hampshire. He's still in front, but not by as much as he was.

So Romney has to worry about winning the primary, but losing the game of expectations.

I'd say if he wins by less than ten points, that would be a loss.

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