A poll released Dec. 25 by the Boston Globe found that former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney‘s substantial lead in New Hampshire is softening, while Texas Rep. Ron Paul‘s campaign is gaining steam.

Ahead of the Jan. 10 primary election, Romney is polling at 39 percent among likely voters, while Paul and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich are tied at 17 percent.

In fourth place is former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, at 11 percent.

Romney’s support dipped three points since the Globe’s November poll, while Paul’s support increased by five percentage points. Gingrich’s support grew by two points, and Huntsman’s support bumped up by three.

In the lead-up to the primary, the Boston Herald has followed a New Hampshire family comprised of undecided voters in order to gauge the appeal of various candidates.

The Herald noted Tuesday that a vote for Paul is being considered by members of the anecdotal Smith family. “He would make good decisions under pressure,” said one family member. Another agreed.

Paul has placed as one of the top three candidates in New Hampshire polls for months. His numbers have included a 19 percent showing in a Dec. 19 PPP poll and an 18 percent share of a Dec. 13 Rasumussen poll.

Paul has maintained a consistent but small lead in Iowa ahead of the Jan. 3 caucuses. In New Hampshire, the Globe notes, “The momentum for Paul raises the prospect that he, not Gingrich, could emerge as the strongest early challenger to Romney.”

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