[CharlesWayneCT]

I'm not sure how else you would count it:

Results for South Carolina Republican Primary (U.S. Presidential Primary) 
Jan 21, 2012 (100% of precincts reporting) 

Newt Gingrich 243,172 40.4%  
Mitt Romney 167,297 27.8%  
Rick Santorum 102,061 17%  
Ron Paul 78,000 13%  
Other 10,685 1.8%  

In what way would that NOT be a 3rd-place finish?

[VinL]

Unless, I’m misreading your original post, you indicate that Gingrich placed 3rd in SC.