Swing States poll: Romney and Obama tied; Gingrich trails

A new USA TODAY/Gallup Swing States survey shows Mitt Romney and President Obama at a statistical tie (48%-47%). However, Newt Gingrich fares much worse against President Obama.

In a head-to-head race, Romney leads Obama by a statistically insignificant percentage point, 48%-47%, the survey finds.

But Obama leads Gingrich, 54%-40%. The president's standing against him has risen nine points since early December; Gingrich has fallen by eight.

Gingrich fares less well than Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who trails Obama by seven points, 50%-43%, and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum, who also trails by seven points, 51%-44%.