(Image source: New York Times)

BY ALYSSA CARTEE

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

The polls have shifted. After weeks of double-digit leads, Mitt Romney is no longer number one. A new Gallup poll has Romney at 29 percent and contender Newt Gingrich at 28 percent -- a virtual tie. Florida state polls have Gingrich at a nine or eight-percent lead -- just days before the state’s primary.

An analyst told Fox Business Network Gingrich's rise is a result of the past two debates.

“... that’s how he initially began to pop, was showing that he can go after Obama.That proves my argument. People don’t think that Mitt Romney can defeat President Obama. That is why there are doubts about his electability.”

And a blogger for the Washington Post says the numbers may be more telling of Romney’s campaign than Gingrich’s.

“...the Gallup poll demonstrates that Romney has lost ground in the majority of the country where voters will host primaries and caucuses in the coming months.”

NPR reports the poll’s swing isn’t surprising -- and this isn’t the first time Romney’s faced tough competition.

“And there's nothing subtle about the shift. Romney has lost much of the lift under his wings while Gingrich has gained it. But this isn't the first time it's happened.”

Certainly, Romney’s campaign has already faced some tough competition and has been able to knock it down. But, a blogger for The Guardian says this time, campaign attacks may work against Romney.

“Romney can continue to go after Gingrich on the flaws that make him a dangerous nominee, but the GOP primary voters seem to like playing with fire.”

But New York Times blog “Five Thirty Eight” warns not to take the poll switcheroo too seriously just yet.

“ ... it is always good to bank actual votes, especially in a race as volatile as this one. There is some anecdotal evidence, also, that polling firms that do not carefully account for early voting may understate its impact.”

Around 225,000 Florida Republicans have already cast their ballots.