In the South Carolina primary, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney placed second with 28 percent of the vote. Gingrich’s victory dashed Romney’s plan to wrap up the nomination early. After the polls closed in South Carolina, Romney lashed out at Newt Gingrich and others for criticizing his record at the private equity fund Bain Capital.

Mitt Romney: “Those who pick up the weapons of the left today will find them turned against us tomorrow. That’s the choice our party gives America, or else we don’t offer them any choice at all. And Americans, in my view, will demand a real choice in this campaign, between those people who believe in prosperity and success and opportunity, and those who believe in government. And I think they’ll choose us.”

Rick Santorum placed third in South Carolina. Ron Paul came in fourth.