Despite this week being full of "scandal" and heavy press scrutiny for Herman Cain, he's leading in South Carolina with 33 percent, 10 points above Mitt Romney according to a new Rasmussen Report.
The survey was conducted on Tuesday night following two days of media coverage concerning allegations of sexual harassment against Cain.
In polling conducted before the latest allegations, Cain led in Iowa with Romney second, while Romney led in New Hampshire with Cain in second place.
The first Rasmussen Reports poll of South Carolina’s Likely Republican Primary Voters shows Cain with 33% support, Romney at 23% and Gingrich at 15%. Texas Governor Rick Perry earns nine percent (9%) of the likely primary vote, Texas Congressman Ron Paul five percent (5%) and Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachmann two percent (2%). Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman each pick up one percent (1%), as does “some other candidate.” Ten percent (10%) remain undecided.
Of those who are currently certain of their vote, Cain leads Romney by 12.
However, Rasmussen also points out that the vast majority of voters in South Carolina haven't made a firm decision about who they are voting for.
It’s important to note, however, that just 28% of South Carolina’s Likely Primary Voters are firmly committed to their current candidate. That leaves 72% who could still change their mind or have no preference at this time. South Carolina’s primary will be held 10 days after the New Hampshire Primary, and the results from both Iowa and New Hampshire could alter the course of the campaign before South Carolina votes.