Newt Gingrich keeps GOP presidential race alive with S.C. victory

Gingrich’s presidential campaign has had its share of ups and downs. In June of last year, several high profile staff members resigned in protest of the campaign’s direction.

In May, Gingrich was the target of a “glitter bomb” by LGBT rights activists for his stance on marriage for same-sex couples and gays and lesbians in the military. Two days before the S.C. primary, Gingrich’s second wife, Marianne Gingrich claimed her ex-husband asked her for an “open marriage.”

With Santorum and Romney in a virtual tie in Iowa, Romney’s New Hampshire win and Gingrich’s success in South Carolina, each of the country’s first three GOP primary contests has seen a different winner.

Up next for the candidates is the Florida primary on Jan. 31. Gingrich, after his S.C. win, has opened a nine point lead on Romney in the Orange State, according to a Real Clear Politics analysis.

Top photo: Newt Gingrich (via Facebook)