Gingrich: I'm not perfect, yet better than Romney

Newt Gingrich
Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich signs a copy of his book "A Nation Like No Other" as he greets supporters during a book signing event at Books-A-Million in Naples, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 26, 2011.
AP Photo/Erik Kellar

By PHILIP ELLIOTT
Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich says he isn't the perfect candidate but adds that he is, in his words, "a lot more conservative than Mitt Romney."

Gingrich on Monday said that he wouldn't switch positions for political reasons, a clear criticism of rival Romney, who has shifted his views on abortion and gay rights between his different campaigns.

A former House speaker who has seen his standing rise in recent weeks, Gingrich is warning Republicans that they need to consider a candidate's consistency.

Ahead of a town hall-style meeting in Charleston, Gingrich is telling South Carolina's WSC-FM that he is a lot more electable than any of the other Republicans seeking the nomination.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)