Indeed, Gingrich has been making lists of names in Florida for months, where his scrappy operation is ready to give Mitt Romney a run for his money — literally.

Gingrich spokesman R.C. Hammond told reporters the campaign’s Florida operation “a kick ass one,” that has largely been put together out of view of the political press.

“We’re going to take wherever the establishment is, do the complete opposite, and then they’re going to be really surprised when we win,” Hammond added.

Gingrich has landed experienced Florida hands like Jose Mallea, Marco Rubio’s campaign manager, and former Attorney General Bill McCollum to run his campaign in the state.

Portia Palmer, Gingrich’s Florida Communications Director, said the campaign has 14 paid staff statewide, seven offices (with two more to be opened soon) and a county chairperson in each of Florida’s 67 counties.