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Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich speaks at the Iowa Faith & Freedom Coalition Event, Monday March 7, 2011 in Waukee, Iowa.

Newt Gingrich is experiencing a mini-surge in the polls. A new national CBS survey of Republican primary voters shows Gingrich tied with Mitt Romney at 15 percent, behind front runner Herman Cain at 18 percent.

The poll shows Cain has lost support among women since October. Romney, meanwhile, has seen his backing with men erode. So is Gingrich's surge real or is it a sign of uncertainty about the inevitable nominee? Or both?

Gingrich raised $1.2 million in October, which is more than his July, August, and September totals combined, and while that's considerably less compared to Romney's campaign war chest, the former speaker's recent ability to raise money may be a sign of growing support among the Republican base.

Gingrich's increased popularity coincides with his intellectual prowess. He has cast himself as the biggest thinker in the race and the only candidate who understands the mechanics of Capital Hill. To the appeal of some and dislike of others, he is a combative debater. Humility has never been his strong suit. Democratic opponents would likely portray him as a throwback to the failed economic policies of the past.

WEIGH IN:

Too much baggage? Does Newt Gingrich's experience bode well for Republican voters who are unsure of the current candidate field?

Guests:

Jonathan Wilcox, Republican strategist and former speech writer for Gov. Pete Wilson

Matt Rodriguez, Democratic strategist; former senior Obama adviser in 2008 who now runs the Los Angeles office for the Dewey Square Group