At left: Newtie gloats, photo by Jeff Siner of the Charlotte Observer. I knew Newtie would win, simply from all the signs. They started small, and within the past week, they exploded into banner-sized "NEWT 2012" screaming at us from every interstate exit all over the county.
Simply put: a Catholic vs a Mormon? A Catholic will win. Santorum, also Catholic, brought in the #3 spot, with Ron Paul (who didn't spend much money here), bringing up the rear. Looking at it from a fundamentalist point of view, there is no contest. Certain old-school Christians still don't trust Mormons.
Speaking personally, Mormonism seems to be the most interesting thing about Mitt Romney, otherwise, he is just another rich, Republican hack politician, like the rest of them. But I am not a typical South Carolina voter, of course.
Nonetheless, Newt's big win surprised a lot of people, particularly after (second) ex-wife Marianne Gingrich gave her famous "Newt wanted an open marriage" interview. This segued into CNN's John King asking Newt about her accusation during the debate (first question!), and Newt's robust, cheeky response. (go to about 2:30 here) I guess the Republicans appreciate Newt at his most bratty. (I hope so, since there is plenty more where THAT came from.)
More:
Gingrich routs Romney (The State)
South Carolina primary: Newt Gingrich basks, looks ahead to long race (Politico)
Gingrich: S.C. 'decided to be with us in changing Washington' (CNN)
Newt wins SC primary (CBS video)
Newt Gingrich wins South Carolina (UK Guardian)
Gingrich wins South Carolina primary (Washington Post)
Yall need to congratulate me for getting through this whole post without making fun of Callista's hair.