Watch CBS News

Gingrich keeps swinging ahead of S.C. primary

Republican frontrunner Mitt Romney admitted Tuesday to paying a relatively low tax rate and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich wasted no time jumping on the issue to reinforce the idea that his rival is out of touch with average Americans.

After being pressed to release his tax returns, Romney acknowledged that his effective rate is "probably closer to the 15 percent rate than anything," since most of his income is investment-generated.

Feeling bullish off a strong debate performance Monday, Gingrich pounced.

Romney admits he pays lower tax rate than most Americans
Palin: If I were a South Carolinian, I'd back Newt
Poll: Mitt Romney atop fluid GOP race with 28%
Poll: Obama's ranking stable; Americans want compromise

"I think we ought to rename our flat tax. We have a 15 percent flat tax so this would be the Mitt Romney flat tax that all Americans could then pay the rate that Mitt Romney paid," he told reporters Tuesday.

Romney wasn't Gingrich's only target. After months of conservative anguish about how to stop the GOP frontrunner, Gingrich put forward a possible solution: the other candidates should quit and back him.

"Consolidating into a Gingrich candidacy would in fact virtually guarantee victory on Saturday. ... I'd be delighted if either Perry or Santorum want to do that. They have to make that decision."

Watch Jan Crawford's full report above.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.