The Note's Must-Reads are a round-up of today's political headlines and stories from ABC News and the top U.S. newspapers. Posted Monday through Friday right here at www.abcnews.com

Compiled by ABC News Digital News Associates Jayce Henderson, Jacqueline Fernandez and Amanda VanAllen

PRESIDENT OBAMA: The Los Angeles Times' Peter Nicholas: " President Obama's road to reelection runs through Pennsylvania" In his first run for president, Barack Obama won every state he was expected to win and carried a few more he didn't need to get comfortably over the top. This time, amid a sluggish economic recovery and high unemployment, the race is shaping up to be much closer - so close that Obama's showing in one state might foretell his chances across the electoral map. LINK

NEWT GINGRICH: ABC News' Gary Langer: " Iowan Conservatives Rally to Gingrich, Citing Experience, "Core GOP Values"" Newt Gingrich has leapt to a sizable lead in preferences for the Iowa Republican caucuses, drawing on a rally from conservatives, positive views of his political experience and a sense he best represents "core Republican values" to push Mitt Romney into a trailing tie with Ron Paul. Gingrich also scores evenly with Romney as the candidate best able to defeat Barack Obama, a mantle Romney long has sought. LINK

The Hills' Alicia M. Cohn, Mike Lillis and Justin Sink: " Dems switch fire to Gingrich" Democrats who have largely ignored the GOP field of presidential candidates aside from Mitt Romney have turned their fire on Newt Gingrich, the new front-runner for the Republican nomination.  Vice President Biden took a shot at Gingrich on Sunday, telling Turkey's prime minister he didn't want to "sound like Newt Gingrich" by inflating his own self-importance. LINK

USA Today's Jackie Kucinich: " Gingrich's first ad focuses on love of U.S., economy" Former speaker Newt Gingrich has seen his poll numbers climb over the past few weeks, most recently in the critical first caucus state of Iowa. That's where Gingrich released his first ad in which he describes his love for the country and the basic changes that must happen to strengthen the economy. The Iowa caucuses will take place Jan. 3. LINK

The New York Daily News' Trevor Kapp and Alison Gendar: " There is plenty of dirt on GOP frontrunner Newt Gingrich, Nancy Pelosi claims" Nancy Pelosi says there is a lot of dirt on GOP front-runner New Gingrich - enough to fill a dump truck. The House minority leader didn't provide any details in comments to the website Talking Points Memo, but she said skeletons from Gingrich's inside-the-Beltway past would not stay hidden if she had her way. LINK

The Washington Post's Dan Balz and Jon Cohen: " Gingrich emerges as clear front-runner in Iowa" Propelled by his debate performances and the demise of Herman Cain's candidacy, former House speaker Newt Gingrich sits atop the Republican presidential field in Iowa with a clear lead over his closest competitors, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. LINK

The New York Times' Nicholas Confessore: " Fund-Raising Gains New Urgency for Gingrich Camp" With just four weeks to go until the Republican primary season begins, Newt Gingrich spent his Monday not on the hustings of Iowa, New Hampshire or South Carolina, but in Midtown Manhattan, prospecting for what his newly resurgent campaign needs most desperately: money. LINK

Politico's Maggie Haberman: " Gingrich takes Newt York by storm" Welcome to Newt York. Former House Speaker and currently surging GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich headed into the belly of the liberal beast Monday, meeting with Donald Trump, fundraising in Midtown, slamming Nancy Pelosi, needling reporters who asked about his controversial comments about poor children - and declaring he wants to run a 50-state campaign that puts New York in play.   LINK

The Wall Street Journal's Jonathan Weisman and Brody Mullins: " House Divided on Ex-Leader" Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is surging in polls of GOP voters, but he hasn't marshaled much support from a group that knew him well-his former Republican colleagues in the House. Mr. Gingrich is widely remembered as a speaker who shot out big ideas like a Gatling gun and moved from project to project with little patience for the finer points of legislating. LINK

HERMAN CAIN: The Washington Times' Luke Rosiak: " Cain left with millions after withdrawing from presidential race" When a bid for the presidency fails, the typical politician can roll over any leftover campaign donations to efforts to maintain a seat in Congress or place at the governor's mansion. But Herman Cain is not your typical politician, as the voters were often reminded; he's a businessman. LINK

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