New poll: Romney in solid lead in South Carolina

Mitt Romney's numbers in South Carolina are surging, and he now has a solid lead over his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination, according to a new survey of likely GOP primary voters in the Palmetto state.

And a CNN/Time/ORC International poll released Friday also indicates that former Sen. Rick Santorum's support in South Carolina has soared, while former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's numbers have nose-dived.

South Carolina holds the first in the South contest in the race for the nomination January 21.

According to the poll:

37% Mitt Romney
19% Rick Santorum
18% Newt Gingrich
12% Ron Paul
5% Rick Perry
1% Jon Huntsman