Newt Gingrich tells Georgia Republicans he’ll be a candidate in ‘12
In the last 24 hours, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich has touched base with several prominent Republicans in his former home state, telling them that he intends to make a run for president in 2012 using Georgia as his base – and that he already has his eye on office space in Buckhead for a campaign headquarters.
Former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich
Gingrich met on Thursday with Nathan Deal, whom Gingrich endorsed during a critical phase of last year’s Republican primary for governor.
House Speaker David Ralston introduced Gingrich Thursday night at a downtown Atlanta affair hosted by the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce.
The visits and conversations – some face-to-face, others on the phone — appear to be an attempt by Gingrich to revive his old campaign network and lock down as much support as possible in a state won by Republican Mike Huckabee in the 2008 presidential primary.
A spokeswoman for Johnny Isakson said Gingrich called the U.S. senator earlier this month – adding that Gingrich was not definite about his plans in that conversation. In an interview on Friday, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss said he had not talked to Gingrich yet, but that the former U.S. House speaker had asked for an appointment in the near future. “He said, ‘I need a significant amount of your time,’” Chambliss said.
Gingrich, 67, is registered to vote in Virginia, and has a Virginia driver’s license. But he spent most of his adult life in Georgia, and from 1979 until 1999 — the last three years as speaker — Gingrich was a congressman from metro Atlanta.
Gingrich most recent visit here was clearly an attempt to lock down as much support as possible in a state won by Republican Mike Huckabee in the 2008 presidential primary. In a meeting with reporters, Gingrich emphasized his Georgia roots.
“My offices are here. My grandchildren are here. I’m here regularly,” Gingrich said at a Thursday news conference at his Center for Health Transformation in suburban Atlanta. “I helped create the modern Republican Party in Georgia starting in 1960. I have a certain fondness for being back in Atlanta.”
Perhaps more important, fundraising for Gingrich’s American Solutions organization is conducted out of Atlanta.
However, Rick Tyler, a spokesman for Gingrich, contacted Friday, said the former House speaker’s schedule for deciding on a 2012 presidential run had not changed. “His plans are to decide on whether to create an exploratory committee in late February, and make a decision about his candidacy in March,” Tyler said.
But Tyler said that Atlanta shouldn’t be ruled out as a headquarters – should Gingrich join the presidential contest.
For Gingrich, the key question is whether or not he can recreate an enthusiastic political base in Georgia more than a decade after he left it. There is no guarantee. Take, for instance, Saxby Chambliss. In a session with reporters, the U.S. senator said:
“Newt is my friend. He’s been a mentor, in some respects, since he was speaker when I got elected [to Congress].”
“But it’s a different world right now, and we’ve got to make sure that whoever the nominee is , that he can win in November. That’s the goal of every Republican right now. John Thune[, the U.S. senator from South Dakota,] is a very close friend. He’s talked to me about his potential campaign.
“I’m going to keep my powder dry.”
While Chambliss said he would pay good money to watch a debate between Gingrich and President Barack Obama, and has several strong points — his communication skills, and his familiarity with both fiscal issues and health care. But Chambliss has questions about Gingrich’s viability:
“Newt hasn’t said this to me, but he’s obviously aware of all the negative aspects of the campaign. And I’d be curious to hear from him why he thinks he can win in spite of that.
“In presidential campaigns now, you have to do something in Iowa. You may not have to win Iowa, but you’ve got to make a good showing in Iowa. Then you’ve either got to win or make a good showing in New Hampshire – if you don’t win Iowa.
Then if you don’t win New Hampshire or Iowa, you’ve got to win South Carolina. Can Newt do that?”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
577 comments Add your comment
sheebe
January 22nd, 2011
2:43 am
I cannot stand this man, nor did I like any of the Republican Party the last election. We need new candidates for the GOP this time. Gingrich is not a conservative but a Rhino, No way in he ll I will vote Democrat but the GOP needs to wake up. New People no repeats especially the ones last election.
sheebe
January 22nd, 2011
2:47 am
I hope that Herman Cain or Allen West would run, although it would be hard because I admire them both. Newt is old meat and he is a Globalist.
john terhune
January 22nd, 2011
2:52 am
To all you “knowitalls” out there commenting on Newt,,,,,, He was age 19 when he asked his 1st
wife for a divorce,,,( she was much older….did she flim flam him into marraige ?
Newt may be a conniving politician like the rest……but at least…he is a real American and
qualified by birth to “BE PRESIDENT” Newt is also an American historian -a PHD ””one of the
greatest oraters around…and will “crucify” Obama ( the Kenyen) in any debate…..
He was successful in implementing the contract for America….and HE WILL find a way to get
Obamacare repealed……and maybe even get Obama exposed as “ineligible” thereby rescinding all
Obama had a hand on….including the two “Bimbos” he appointed to the Supr. Court ! Thatwould be well worth having Newt as President !””’Now – what were you idiots complaining about ?
Jack_433
January 22nd, 2011
3:14 am
Since he abandoned the “Contract with American” freshman congressional representatives in the mid-1990s, Gingrich has no standing with me.
OKAY
January 22nd, 2011
3:34 am
Newt should just go away quietly. Allen West would get my vote if he were a candidate.
Dimslie
January 22nd, 2011
3:40 am
There is no one in either party that can stand up to Gingrich in a debate. He will eat Obama alive. Republicans have gone into the last 3 elections with candidates that can’t say “Peter Piper”. Like Newt or not, come 2013 he won’t be able to walk into a room without hearing Hale to the Chief.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich intents to throw hat in 2012 race - Talk Delaware Online
January 22nd, 2011
4:06 am
[...] [...]
Dave
January 22nd, 2011
4:08 am
I’m fairly certain palin will neuter the newt early on- thank god
Nathan Clark
January 22nd, 2011
4:53 am
Oh please Massa Newt Run sir! This fat cat could not care less about the people. All he cares for is his Big Billionaire buddies.
Nathan Clark
January 22nd, 2011
4:54 am
Dave you are a Tard! Palin is even worse. Uh does she have a brain at all? I mean all the dealings she had with Putin up in Alaska and all… Yall!
bob
January 22nd, 2011
5:07 am
Obama’s followers will come out of the woodwork to get him re-elected. Republican’s will get the blame from all the country’s handout recipients, for doing the hard work at cutting spending and entitlements. We are doomed folks.
Politicians_striptease
January 22nd, 2011
5:17 am
Newtster: Please go with DemoCraps (D) and please, please take both Isakson and Chambliss with you. The (D)s are going to embrace you with great zest, especially your incessant speaking skills. All ‘Constipation’ readers are delighted to read this news.
Some difficulties are definitely lurking ahead for you to register your home state as Georgia.
Good luck!
P.S. Do you remember François Rabelais?
Dwayne
January 22nd, 2011
5:22 am
I’m certainly NOT a Democrat, however im no Republican either. I don’t call myself an Independent either. I will with as much Pride as I can have say that I am an American. That is the only and I mean only affiliation that I care about or that anyone else should care about. God, Country and Family are the only concerns I have. We as a Nation are so off the path we set for ourselves it’s sad. Political Parties by their very nature seperate this great country. Do whats right for the people and our coutnry. As our economy struggles, we pay Political figures large 6 figure salaries, athletes 7 and 8 figure salaries. While the men and women that truly make this country great earn 7.25 an hour when gas is now 3.05 a gallon. Average a 35 hour work week out that before taxes is 253.75 a week. Resst assured thats less than 200 dollars when taxes come out, then 35 to 40 dollars a week in gas if they drive 40 miles round trip to work and back. The rich get richer and the poor get them richer approach has broken this Country. Show me a President that will work for minimum wage or just not waste millions on hosting dinner for a Chinese President, while Veterans are homeless adn hungry. We The People, it’s not just words, it’s the words that formed America and Empowers it’s people! If Newt can get this done great, if anyone in Politics can then get it done, If not get out the way and let a working man or women have a shot. Political figures are far removed from Everyday America and what it means to make ends meat in this country. I’m not complaining, I just ask what many many more want to ask and that is will you lead us in the direction we need to go, or do We The People need to lead the way ourselves?
JAG
January 22nd, 2011
5:39 am
I know why he’s wasting his money. He’s running out of life left. Newt has always wanted this. And what’s money good for unless it gets you what you want. But he has no chance.
This isn’t a vanity contest or a make a wish foundation. We are in a fight for survival, and Newt is just looking for a more comfortable chair. This ain’t the time for that. Maybe some day, but not now.
This Country is approaching Civil War territory. What will you do Newt when it all falls apart under your feet? You aren’t somebody who serves and then leaves. You are a politician. And politician’s get everyone else killed so they can keep their job. No. And hell no. Not now.
L Dubya
January 22nd, 2011
5:50 am
Please do Newt — It is about time someone who really can understand American values
is on the ballot.– The comments of these uneducated,,indoctrinated young morons who
were not around when America WAS free, have no concept of what a great country
this was and can become again.
Danny Ross
January 22nd, 2011
5:56 am
Why? This guy has all the electoral appeal of Bob Dole, without the heroism and a scandal or three thrown in. He’s Bill Clinton without the charm. Please, Newt, go back to being a scold.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
January 22nd, 2011
5:56 am
Baptists and Freemasons, Jews and Protestants…Black and White better wake up: just look at the furious attempt of the preceding anonymous two or three Catholics using so many fake names trying to get us to “throw” America and Georgia deeper into their “briarpatch,” Fascism.
Newt, who married his math teacher to beat the Vietnam draft (What a manly patriot?) was put on the national scene by Pierre DuPont. The corrupt rich need “intermediaries” to appeal to the People, who “understand” Elite Theory. wink, wink
Only those of bad character support the malinterests of our ruling false-elite.
Birds of feather flock together. Georgia is a good and decent people. Let’s act like it and shun whitetrash Palin and Gingrich.
zumkatze
January 22nd, 2011
6:04 am
The last thing the Republican party needs is another RINO! Don’t embarass yourself, Newt, Just go quietly into the night and don’t come back!
Doug
January 22nd, 2011
6:15 am
Fat chance, fat man!
sb
January 22nd, 2011
6:27 am
isn’t this the guy who is on his third wife and ask for a divorce from the first when she was in a hospital bed with cancer. another Edwards type guy.
concernedGOPer
January 22nd, 2011
6:51 am
Mr. Gingrich has morped into a John McCain prototype these past number of years. He is not the same conservative firebrand most remember. And his stance on illegal immigration is now appalling.
Robert Martin
January 22nd, 2011
6:51 am
Newt Gingrich gets more credit than any one for bringing mean politics back. That is
an accomplishment because the republicans were on the verge of becoming a
minority party.
Sick of Republicans
January 22nd, 2011
7:01 am
I am liberal and still have morals so Repubs not all liberals are scum bags. Newt is the biggest scum bag around – served divorce papers on his first wife right after she had cancer surgery; divorced the second one when he found out she had MS; used his third wife (present one) to try and help him add assets from his second wife. Don’t believe it about second wife – just check the divorce record. And to say let States go bankrupt? Bigger idiot than I thought. While what Bill Clinton did is NOT condoned in any manner, this guy is worse than Clinton ever thought of being and this bozo was so gung ho on getting Clinton, his own rotten background came to light. Karma – she is a b**** isn’t she Newt?
cal
January 22nd, 2011
7:09 am
Newt’s gigantic ego makes him believe he has some relevance in today’s political world. He can’t comprehend that his condescending, superior attitude is hugely offensive. I hope he does run so I can see the yawning indifference to his majesty. Newt’s political career ended when he was run out of congress.
waycoolsnoopy
January 22nd, 2011
7:18 am
Just what we need…another globalist to be the “controlled opposition” to the current cadre of thugs, traitors, communists, usurpers, etc. Make no mistake people, Newt is NO FRIEND OF FREEDOM! He will run against Obama and should he win he will continue the sell-out, great American giveaway through trade, immigration, and police state tyranny a/k/a “Patriot Act,” ‘Homeland Security’ etc. CONTINUITY OF AGENDA, PEOPLE! LOOK IT UP!
Dan
January 22nd, 2011
7:20 am
I ask myself… Is Newt going to have to balls to wipe out the tax code and make it simple, fair and flat? Would he have the balls to take a flame thrower to the federal budget? What about rolling back regulations on business? Reforming social security/medicare? I’d say no. He would likely get sucked into the old and lame arguement of “little guy, worker, working families, for the poor, for the rich” and all the other old marxist lingo of the last century. We someone new. Not a career politician, nor a book writter, not a lawyer either. I’d perfer a joe six pack, who could become a modern day George Washington. So… No to Newt.
B-Bro
January 22nd, 2011
7:25 am
I believe that Newt has the experience and knowledge to make the U.S. a thriving economy, protect our borders. I can’t think of any president that is so educated on all topics and he has a straight answer for every question or a solution thought for every problem we face or have faced. Please don’t try to throw stones concerning past family relationships. Go Newt I’ll help back you.
william harrison
January 22nd, 2011
7:33 am
ican’t even tell people where i am from, since Herr gingrich is from Georgia,(the Evil person)who tried to make mince meat out of President Clinton when gingrich claimed President Clinton had sex while he was in the Withe House! He even made fun of President Clinton in his last two years of his being President when under Gop rule,left the White House with a balanced budget and 100’s of billions of dollars in the bank!! Well no one said anything about Herr Gingrich when he was breaking the Ten Commandments! he was having intercourse with his girl friend all along and then gingrich got caught and he quit congress(he was a Quitter,Just like his Partner,sarah palin, the quitter from from the governer of alaska)and turned coat and Ran back to Georgia to divorce his first wife.The state of Georgia is Appalled at what he had done(since this is the Bible Belt),I would not even vote for Herr gingrich for dog catcher–He is a snake handler,lower than a snake’s Belly! Herr gingrich don,t even work from my home state of Georgia and embarrass us Again!!
murf
January 22nd, 2011
7:39 am
No one wants to vote for a RINO when you can see one at a Zoo
KennesawBoy
January 22nd, 2011
7:43 am
Didn’t he already try this before and it didn’t work? My vote is for Herman Kane.
Doug
January 22nd, 2011
7:45 am
KennesawBoy,
That’s Herman Cain. And I’m with you. He’s one of the few who gets it.
John
January 22nd, 2011
7:54 am
Ron Paul for President 2012!
waycoolsnoopy
January 22nd, 2011
7:57 am
Newt = GLOBALIST! Obama = GLOBALIST. It’s “controlled opposition” and if those two are the choices the only certainty is that the American people will continue to lick the boots of tyranny!
The answer to 1984 is 1776!
Georgia Idjut
January 22nd, 2011
7:58 am
Good Lord, folks. Those of you who say that Newt would beat Obama in a straight-up debate are the same ones who thought that Sarah Palin destroyed Joe Biden in the VP debates of 2008. You would sniff victory if one of your candidates pooted in your vicinity. Cheer on your candidate, fine, but admit right up front that your passions outweigh your intellectual honesty.
Vince Hugh
January 22nd, 2011
8:01 am
I have always liked Gingrich and felt he was a great visionary which is a quality a president should have. I was dissappointed in his anti-Sarah Palin comment the other day however, and if he turns against Sarah and what she stands for, he will not get my vote.
Buzz G
January 22nd, 2011
8:01 am
C’mon Mr. Gingrich, back off. Mr. Hope and Change needs four more years to completely turn this country into Venezuela North.
Chunk
January 22nd, 2011
8:08 am
Newt,forget about it no room for RIINO’s !
Sean
January 22nd, 2011
8:12 am
Newt, Please stay under your rock. You are what has us in this position. I am a conservative and I would vote for BO before Newt. Take Sara Palin with you Newt. Please pretty Please Dr Ron Paul help us because I don’t think anyone else can.
BD
January 22nd, 2011
8:15 am
Give up you old fart and write history books!!!!
BD
January 22nd, 2011
8:15 am
love it
Jeff
January 22nd, 2011
8:15 am
If he could not take the heat as speaker of the house, or stay faithful to his first wife when she was sick what make him think hour can handle being president. I will take Sarah any day over his bag of hot air. I know some of you don’t like her because she makes you all feel like looser. She don’t give excuses that life was to hard, or she didn’t have all the advantages in life. Suck it up!!!
Robert A Murray
January 22nd, 2011
8:20 am
I happen to be a big fan of Newt,read all his history novels. He is a very smart man. I want him to run just so he would destroy this telepromting reading man child in the Whitehouse in an presidential debate.Newt used to make the clintons nervous when he entered the room.
Last Man Standing
January 22nd, 2011
8:25 am
For once, all you dems/libs are correct: Newt won’t become the next President . . . and Nathan will never be the Governor of Georgia either! Mr. Gingrich meets all the qualifications to be President and he is highly capable. If he does indeed run, I guess that I will lose my vote because I will vote for him. After all, I lost my vote for Nathan, didn’t I? Boy, you dems/libs have really got your fingers on the political pulse of our country, don’t you?
FLharleyPM
January 22nd, 2011
8:25 am
I like Newt but would prefer that he not throw his hat in the ring. He’s made some really bad choices in his personal life but beyond that, entering the race would be akin to 1996 when the republican establishment chose Bob Dole as the candidate to go up against Clinton. That was a disaster. Newt represents the ‘old guard’ and an entrenched beltway insider and it’s time the GOP and the Tea Party pick a candidate with an understanding of the constitution and will govern that way. Newt’s primary motivation for being President isn’t about the country…it’s about his ego and we know how that’s working out for all of us simply by looking at the current occupant of the White House.
Amy
January 22nd, 2011
8:26 am
NO!! I am a Republican and I do NOT want to see the Old Guard Republicans as my candidate for President. That is what helped us lose the election last time. Don’t even think about it, Newt! You are an AWFUL candidate!
Marty
January 22nd, 2011
8:27 am
This conservative would never vote for Newt Gingrich. Character counts and this man does not have it. He breached the trust of those most close to him, his wife and family, how could he ever be the leader of our country?
I change the channel every time I see him on tv or hear him on the radio. Republicans will not support him.
nostromo
January 22nd, 2011
8:36 am
Somebody thank him and tell him his day had come and it passed. Believe me when I tell you that a new Republican party is not looking for leadership from him He comes with too much baggage that will be a distraction to a winning effort.
Rich
January 22nd, 2011
8:43 am
Newt has about the same chance that Ron Paul had in 2008…ZERO!!!! This guy is not as smart as people make him out to be…Why, one might ask…? HE BELEIVES IN GLOBAL WARMING!!!!! Only complete idiots beleive in nonsense like that and would do a commercial with NANCY PELOSI and go to a conference with JOHN KERRY!!!! We remember that stuff Newt you fraud!!!!
Keep writing books that fewer and fewer people read…
Palin 2012…The only Conservative in the crowd…
Bill Nelson
January 22nd, 2011
8:43 am
Newt can pound sand! Any self professed conservative that embraces the socialistic tenets of going green needs to get in the back jack!
Newt Gingrich to Run 2012
January 22nd, 2011
8:44 am
[...] Take, for instance, Saxby Chambliss. In a session with reporters, the U.S. senator said: Link: A Newt Gingrich presidential campaign out of Buckhead? | Political Insider Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a [...]