DES MOINES, Iowa (PNN) - December 28, 2011 - With the Iowa caucus one week away, Ron Paul is standing his ground in Iowa, according to a Public Policy Poll released Wednesday.

Paul leads the field with 24%, but Mitt Romney is a close second at 20%.

The survey of 565 likely Republican caucus-goers was conducted Dec. 26-27, indicating that so far Paul has weathered the intense media focus and slanderous attacks from his rivals centered on the bogus reports of controversial newsletters that were falsely reported to bear the Texas congressman’s name and some of his foreign policy views that fall outside the mainstream.

The poll showed a continuing sharp decline in Newt Gingrich’s support, as the former House Speaker finished a distant third at 13%. Only a month ago, Gingrich led the field at 27%, but his decision not to counter the barrage of attack ads against him in Iowa seems to have sunk him for now.

Only 37% of Iowans now have a favorable view of Gingrich, while 54% say they have an unfavorable view.

Rounding out the field are Rep. Michele Bachmann (Minn.) at 11%, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former Sen. Rick Santorum at 10% each.