A round-up of today’s news and the emerging political narrative:

According to a new NBC/Marist poll, Mitt Romney is ahead among likely Iowa caucus-goers at 23 percent, followed by Ron Paul at 21 percent.  A “surging” Rick Santorum came in third at 15 percent, followed by Rick Perry at 14 percent.

Santorum, who is suddenly being showered by overflow crowds and media attention in Iowa, also finds himself on the receiving end of attacks from his rivals. Perry released a radio ad yesterday hitting Santorum for earmarks he supported while in Congress (ABC News).

Romney “signaled increasing confidence he will finish strongly” in Iowa, scheduling more time in the state before Tuesday’s caucus (Wall Street Journal).  Meanwhile, Romney yesterday sought to portray President Obama as out of touch with the struggles of everyday Americans by comparing him to Marie Antoinette (Huffington Post).

Romney’s camp released a new ad today that will run in New Hampshire, entitled “American Optimism.”

The DNC released a new web video today highlighting Romney’s refusal to release his income-tax return. The New York Times notes, for nearly the entire year, the DNC “has been focused like a laser” on Romney.

Underscoring her troubles, Michele Bachmann confirmed yesterday to CNN that another key member of her campaign was no longer working for her.

Tags | Michele Bachmann, Mitt Romney, obama, rick perry, Rick Santorum