Gingrich supporter takes button to the head.

In addition, she has supported the campaign through speaking appearances at Republican women's groups, meetings of Gingrich supporters and various rallies.

Mr Perkins said that some Gingrich supporters at the Texas meeting switched their allegiance to Mr Santorum when it became clear that he was the most popular candidate.

Democrats were quick to say that Mr. Forbes's defection was significant precisely because he had been a loyal Gingrich supporter.

"Obviously, the Democrats in this body feel they have a big stake in trying to prevent Mr. Gingrich's election," said Mr. Walker, a Gingrich supporter.

Bob Crandall, an ex-newspaper executive in the area, said he too was a Gingrich supporter, though he had not yet firmly made up his mind.

Like many Gingrich supporters, Mike L. Hafer, an advertising sales representative, said he considered the Speaker's offenses insignificant.

I'm not sure I agree with the Gingrich supporters here.

"It made him seem very real and that he feels like we do about our families," said Deborah Hotchkiss, a working mother and Gingrich supporter who had driven two hours to be there.

In particular, some Gingrich supporters had left before the final ballot due to travel commitments.