For months, one GOP candidate after another has secured a spot at the top of the polls.

Most recently, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has taken first place, but his lead is now dwindling to Mitt Romney and unexpected contender Ron Paul.

Several polls predict Paul will win the Iowa caucus set for Jan. 3.

"Our growth has been steady. Not many people switch. They know our philosophy. They stick with me," the Texas congressman said.

But his popularity in Iowa doesn't seem to have the rest of the country convinced.

A new ABC News poll found that only 32 percent of voters nationwide view Paul favorably.

About 35 percent view him unfavorably, and 51 percent of Republican voters said he doesn't have the temperament or character to serve as president.

Paul's record is also being closely scrutinized.

He's come under fire for a newsletter he sent out in the 90s calling Martin Luther King Day a "Hate Whitey Day."

Paul said he didn't personally write the words, adding that he "disavowed those messages or whatever was written."

Experts say the 76-year-old Texas congressman will not do as well nationally, but he could very likely deny Romney or Gingrich from a coveted Iowa win.