US presidential race could be 'wide open': Gingrich

Newt Gingrich expects Mitt Romney to win today’s New Hampshire primary, but with Mr Romney’s support slipping, he argues that the race could end up being “wide open”.

Mr Gingrich is preparing a blitz of television appearances and 11th-hour campaign stops today as he tries to whip up enthusiasm for his White House bid, following a disappointing fourth-place finish in Iowa.

He has launched more aggressive attacks on Mr Romney, labelling his Republican rival a timid Massachusetts moderate.

The former House Speaker will visit polling centres in Manchester, Bedford, Merrimack and Hollis.

Mr Gingrich is already eyeing South Carolina, considered a critical state for the former Georgia congressman.

He has been fine-tuning his message, focusing on gun rights and abortion, which could prove pivotal in the nation’s first Southern primary.