Gingrich Goes on the Attack, Picks Up Bauer Endorsement in SC

Beginning a three-day swing into South Carolina, where he hopes to shore-up his new front-runner status, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich went on the attack Monday.

Speaking on a Charleston radio station, Gingrich called himself the "conservative alternative" to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who is the favorite to win the first two races in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Gingrich is in Charleston opening an office and appearing with U.S. Rep. Tim Scott for his town hall series.

Later on Monday, Gingrich picked up an endorsement from former Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, who is currently running for the new U.S. House seat in the Pee Dee. Bauer is best-known nationally for once comparing poor people to stray animals who should no longer be fed.