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
Somnolence
January 22nd, 2011
10:27 am
The nomination remains in Palin’s reach if she really wants it. She has more money at the moment, more endurance physically and mentally than all the others combined. Herman Cain is indeed a viable candidate to me, with a vast knowledge on meeting budgets, running a business, etc. Mass Care and anti-Mormonism continue to haunt Romney(as well as anti-establishment, blueblood sentiments), and Huckabee was a tax raiser in Arkansas, and should remain a talk show host. Newt simply has too much baggage infringing upon his intellect—–simply, unelectable. Don’t care what anyone else says, Palin does have a chance. Just who would independents really flock to, her or Obama? The economy isn’t going to pick up that much.
David1949
January 22nd, 2011
10:28 am
Newt is another big government, establishment politician. Why do we need that? How about a candidate who will actually mean it when he takes his oath to uphold the constitution? How about Ron Paul, Judge Andrew Napolitano, or Gary Johnson?
HopeChangeInAZ
January 22nd, 2011
10:29 am
Gingrich will do more harm then good to the Republican brand and it is as simple as that. He may be a good talk show guest but I doubt he will get anywhere near the support a candidate will need to win the nomination. And why should he? His track record is not that impressive to say the least. Let’s not even discuss his personal life and the hypocrisy associated with it even though the left wing will have a field day with it. What about his signature accomplishment the “Contract With America”….yeah that really worked out well didn’t it? Nice thought, poor follow-through and bad results for the party in general.
It is obvious that I am not a fan of Gingrich. He is a lightning rod for the left and though he may not be as bad as Palin in that respect, he is bad enough. The Republicans better come up with something a little fresher then the likes of a McCain, Dole or Gingrich or we will be looking at another 4 more years of Obama.
Soul Leister
January 22nd, 2011
10:35 am
Its another rehash of McCain’s South Carolina strategy to keep Romney down (by larding up the ballot with every tom, dick and harry… that has zero chance of actually getting elected draw votes away from contenders by appealing to nich groups), except this time it is directed (note I didn’t say target) at stealing votes away from Palin… the good ole (country club) boys are circling the wagons… nothing good can come of this.
Mary
January 22nd, 2011
10:40 am
I am sick of having these “LOSERS” shoved down our throats. i.e. John McCain, Romney, Huckabee, Palin, ETC… you see where it got us in 2008!
Larry
January 22nd, 2011
10:45 am
So, if I am reading these blogs correctly, Gingrich is a hypocrite and adulterer trapped in the body of a fiscal conservative, right? Looks like the hypocrisy and extramarital affairs would appeal widely to the liberals and the the fiscal responsibility would appeal widely to the conservatives.
He just may be electable…worked for Clinton!
Doc
January 22nd, 2011
10:47 am
I will never vote for him in a GOP caucus (that’s what we have here) or in a general election. The man is a deceitful narcissist.
Larry
January 22nd, 2011
10:51 am
I think it is time that we stop trying to elect a black man (or half black man), a white women (or half white woman) or ANY life long politician that has never been responsible for running a large company or business. The current president has proven to be completely overwhelmed and utterly clueless about global economics. Nice voice and image…but zero substance!
We had all better come together and elect a business person to come in a clean up this economic crime scene or we are in for a long, downward spiral for decades!
Last Man Standing
January 22nd, 2011
10:53 am
I have read a lot of negative posts concerning Mt. Gingrich and his possible candidacy for President. Knowing that most of the bloggers here are dems/libs, the number of negative posts speak volumes. Obama is not even in the same league with Gingrich, much less the same ballpark! Gingrich is brilliant and a true intellectual steeped in history. His understanding of world and national events is top drawer. Moreover, Mr. Gingrich understands the Constitution and believes in its “strict” interpretation. Mr. Gingrich will make a great President!
Mark White
January 22nd, 2011
10:57 am
The “Speaker of the House” Newt could have won the nomination. The current version can’t. Newt went soft, became wishy-washy and created distrust amongst conservatives he cannot overcome.
Tom Mariner
January 22nd, 2011
10:59 am
If we want a smart, experienced guy for President, look no further. The problem is that he develops the same venom and personal attacks in the mainstream media and the knee jerk crowd, some of whom comment here as Sarah Palin. I always think those kind of blasts mean they feel the candidate has a chance and will do a good job, so I instinctively look for the attacks before I consider anybody seriously.
I have followed Dr. Gingrich’s writings on subjects like healthcare for years and he has been correct and light years ahead of others. He proved he could form a coalition of elected officials to accomplish so he appears to be a talented leader.
But no, let’s discuss his past habits with romance. Wait, are we down to bathroom habits yet as a bellwether of a viable Presidential candidate?
Steve
January 22nd, 2011
11:03 am
Yes — your comments here are soooo important. You’re contributing how? By flexing illusionary internet muscles? You all have a voice, but this isn’t it. Get involved.
nm
January 22nd, 2011
11:07 am
HE WILL NOT GET MY VOTE> NOT AFTER INSULTING SARA PALIN
He seems to sound just like ObamaHillaryCNNmsnbcNBCabcCBS
No. To think I supported him in 1994, makes me sick. He is an opportunist, with NO character.
Newt Gingrich Tells Georgia Republicans He’s Running In 2012
January 22nd, 2011
11:07 am
[...] or toyed with his supporters with the idea that he might right for President to be more precise, but this time he appears to be in for real: In the last 24 hours, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich has touched base with several [...]
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
11:15 am
Both Palin and Gingrich have actually accomplished notable things for conservatives. Both were heavily involved in a massive public shift back to conservatism. It’s such a shame when conservative intellectuals distance themselves or even join in on the attacks. Dear intellectuals: You want the candidate who is most severely attacked. That means they are the biggest threat. Don’t think too much about it.
Rick
January 22nd, 2011
11:16 am
Gingrich is part of the problem. He needs to step aside and let Huckabee and Palin run.
independent thinker
January 22nd, 2011
11:18 am
Some of you Newt fans forget how this supposed brilliant politician made a mockery of the repubs when he was last running for reelection: Susan Smith drowned her kids in her car in South Carolina. When this was confirmed, Ole newt seized the opportunity to be his typical demagogue self and blamed failed Democratic programs like the Great Society for her actions. Tuned out afterwards Susan Smith had accused her father repeatedly of child molestation. He was a top repub. in South Carolina. Both he and ole Sarah have a knack of shooting themselves in the mouth, Should be lots of fun to watch.
Insighter1
January 22nd, 2011
11:20 am
HE SUPPORTS STATES BANKRUPTING AS A WAY TO NOT HONOR PENSIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He just said it, or strongly implied it, yesterday, MORON. He hasn’t changed. Completely elitist and out to screw the little guy. I’m an arch-conservative and NG turns my gut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Kevin Stroup
January 22nd, 2011
11:23 am
Newt Gingrich was a true conservative when he originally went to D.C. But somewhere along the way, he became a RINO. I do not even know what to call what he morphed into since. Newt, save your time and money, all conservatives know who you are, and what you are, and will not vote for you.
CHICAGO RALPH
January 22nd, 2011
11:25 am
For starters Newt,…
give us your explanation on that “Green” thing you did sitting next to Nancy and,………
tell us why you no longer think that way.
It better be good.
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
11:26 am
Dear Ind. Thinker,
How has Sarah “shot herself in the mouth”?
RAY
January 22nd, 2011
11:28 am
Palin is not going to run period. Do I like her absolutely. But she can do us and I think her family more good in a different capacity. She doesn’t have the independant voters either.
jeff
January 22nd, 2011
11:31 am
Family Values Man ?…..well he has had a few marriages….should know what he’s talking about…although jello would have to freeze over before I voted for Newt
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
11:32 am
I believe Palin will do what’s best for her country, whether running or not. Her family is already battle hardened.
George
January 22nd, 2011
11:33 am
A sure way for the Republicans to lose the next Presidency. They need fresh faces, fresh ideas. The Tea Party will not go for retreads and Gingrich is a retread. They should run Bobby Jindal and put Sarah Palin on as VP. She’s got a lot more on the ball in the past three years, and is tough as nails. Jindal, born of Indian parents, is an example of the US at its best – a land of opportunity for immigrants of all color and denomination.
Insighter1
January 22nd, 2011
11:37 am
Neutron supports states abandoning pension obligations:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41188877/ns/business-the_new_york_times/
KennesawJack
January 22nd, 2011
11:39 am
Newt is easily the most qualified Republican out there and towers over all save Ryan and Pence intellectually. If he lays out his past personal issues early on and takes responsibility for them, the voters will give him a pass. After all, we have a uniquely unqualified person in the White House now who admitted to snorting cocaine so Newt’s issues can be overcome too. Granted, the press won’t pucker up when Newt bends over the way they do for the messiah, but he CAN win. Like Saxby, I’d pay good money to see him carve up the “one we’ve been waiting for” in the debates.
Ike Reagan
January 22nd, 2011
11:41 am
Eon Rodeo, I read the article at the link you provided. Nothing too scary there. If you have ever known a politician, they all have egos and they all have fallen at one time or another. It goes with the personality. Jimmy Carter might have been the only one not to fall into this character. However, nice as Jimmy was, he was a weak President at a time where America needed strength to pull itself out of despair.
After reading all of your comments, and after reading the article about the x-wife, Gingrich will be a formidable candidate and may be the next President.
The only thing is, he’d better have a solid plan and not just “wing it”. Because, America is past being out of time, options and money to use up 4 more years of failed Presidential leadership.
I believe that Bush failed, at least in the last term, Obama has failed by not having a clear plan, and I believe our next leader needs to have a plan that has a key goal of paying off debt while increasing our exports and expanding goods manufactured in the US and its’ territories.
So, yes, Gingrich will get my vote. He will convince China to buy well more than $85 billion of our exports and he will get Korea and other countries to open up their markets to the U.S. and trade equitably with our country.
RAY
January 22nd, 2011
11:42 am
Has anyone see Pawlenty lately. He looked and sounded very Presidential and has the credentials to back it up. I think he’s electable and as a Reagan conservative he instilled confidence. Let me say that again he instills confidence and he’s a fresh face without the bagage.
Sue
January 22nd, 2011
11:44 am
He’ll get my vote over Palin. Even though he’s an idiot, he’s not as bad as Palin and at least appears to be a politician. Seems he is seasoned compared to a nobody.
independent thinker
January 22nd, 2011
11:49 am
Hey Joe D. remember how the ole girl from Alaska stood up before the repubs when she got nominated and made that comment about giving the earmark money back for the bridge to nowhere? and you all clapped and cheered and hooped and hollered like this was the second coming? Turned out she requested the money , did not give it back and spent it. That is called shooting yourself in the mouth,
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
11:53 am
Actually, I.D., I don’t remember it. And neither will anyone else in history. Try again.
bucky
January 22nd, 2011
11:54 am
Scary to think that anyone would even consider Newt or Palin… ..makes to shiver to think these people even vote.
Jon
January 22nd, 2011
11:54 am
Newt was OK, but his time has passed. McCain, Hatch, Snow, McConnell, all old guard and more interested in seeing themselves as statesman, than serving the wishes of their constituents. I wish they would go away. (Add Huckabee to that list too.)
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
12:00 pm
Dear Bucky,
There are 2 basic ingredients needed to become a great conservative leader: Moral courage and integrity. Sarah has those in spades. When you seek a polished candidate who gets along with everyone, you’ll get a hollow, disingenuous person who won’t get anything done.
PKelley
January 22nd, 2011
12:01 pm
WOW, what wonderful Comments, even those from newt supporters. I hope newt reads them all. The Republican comments pointing out that he Party doesn’t have any viable candidates is absolutely correct. I vote for the person, not the Party.
I want someone who will stop the government and especially Congress from spending us into into hell. There is no one, in either Party, with the intelligence and guts to do that. It surely isn’t newt or palin or the current Speaker of the House nor is there a Democrat.
Lord Help Us.
Granted
January 22nd, 2011
12:02 pm
This is wonderful news, but I won’t be truly ecstatic until I hear that Palin’s in the “race”. Allegedly Guilliani will throw his hat in the ring when that happens, so we’ll have a trifecta of Reich Wing buffoons running against Obama. These clueless egotists are so blind to their predominating images with moderates that they have no idea how completely unelectable they are. Guess that’s bound to happen when you’re surrounded by nothing but conservative sheep. Made my day! Obama 2012!
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
12:03 pm
Dear PKelly,
Good luck voting for the individual! Unless they are extremely popular, they have no chance of getting elected unless they follow party lines.
falcon
January 22nd, 2011
12:05 pm
Clinton and Gingrich both liked to play around on their wives. Gingrich however did not lie to a grand jury like your impeached hero Bill Clinton did. Gingrich authored the Contract with America which led to Clinton’s success in the White House. Clinton owes Newt Gingrich and the Republican Congress for his success as CIC. Gingrich would destroy any Democrat in a debate, but the American public is too stupid to realize that. Most voters are too ignorant to vote. Thank you, that is all.
Welcome Black Carter
January 22nd, 2011
12:06 pm
If every negitive I have seen writen here were 100% true, Newt would still be the better man for our country than obamao… Go Newt, you have my vote as well as many Americans.
Iona Juman
January 22nd, 2011
12:07 pm
If that old geyser run for president, I am sitting this one out. Enough of the same old same old. He just will not win, just get out of the way.
Robert Wilkes
January 22nd, 2011
12:09 pm
Our Government has never operated better and our country was never as strong as the years that Newt and Dick Morris had complete control. They had Bill Clinton signing every piece of legislation they put up. That is political skill and that is what our country needs right now, highly skilled and politically smart conservatives. Please run Newt and have Dick Morris as a Senior Advisor! You two have already proved that you CAN get it done and get it done Right!
Welcome Black Carter
January 22nd, 2011
12:11 pm
Isn’t it ironic how many obamao kool-aid drinkers tout how Newt is “unelectable” and support the re-electic of obamao who clearly is unelectable in 2012? Makes me laugh…
Newt Gingrich To Run For President « Light Sound Dimension
January 22nd, 2011
12:12 pm
[...] Huffpost on Gingrich: Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich has told insiders that he plans to run for president in 2012, with Georgia as his base, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. [...]
Graystroke
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
Wow….275 million Americans and the best we can do is Romney (a gutless hack refusing to take responsibility for his failed health care in tax-it all-chut-it), Huckabee and beta-male and Newt a RINO extraordinaire…….
America I don’t see the Tea Party as your answer..the Marxists are deeply entrenched and like a weed will be next to impossible to eradicate…….why? the American public has been successfully dumbed down and converted into entitlement addicts unwilling to pay any sacrifice for personal liberty……of which to the welfare state …liberty is defined as “free cell phone, housing, welfare food stamps, housing and then extra cash to party “…..a concept of personal responsibility is foreign to them as the need to be relentless in finding work……did Nikita Khrushchev win…???
.neither is a 3rd party which will immediately get co opted by Progressives.
Welcome Black Carter
January 22nd, 2011
12:13 pm
What you are seeing here is not real. The media matters “paid posters” are out in force…
Joe D.
January 22nd, 2011
12:15 pm
I like certain things about Newt. I think he’s brilliant and could be a master debater (and a cunning linguist). All kidding aside, I believe he got a great deal of momentum in the early 90’s from Rush Limbaugh bursting onto the scene.
Jacquelyn05
January 22nd, 2011
12:19 pm
GINGRICH AND PALIN SHOULD BE THE REPUBLICAN TEAM.
The GOP is brain dead
January 22nd, 2011
12:20 pm
Gingrich will go nowhere in the primaries as his mouth is a loose cannon and he has no integrity. Marrying his high school geometry teacher may have been more her seduction than his but dumping her when she was dying of cancer and then dumping that wife for his staff member will be recalled again and again. In addition to his serial adultery and hypocrisy in leading the charge against Clinton for much less than he did, it will be remembered that he was fined $300,000 by the House Ethics Committee. He later left office to marry the object of his 6 year affair and because the House did poorly in the elections under his leaderships. And somehow his enormous ego makes this fat fraud think that he is presidential material and that even the GOP is dumb enough to nominate him. But Newt thinks he inhabits Mt. Rushmore and he is dying to come down and rescue America. Not even the GOP has quite sunk low enough to bring this guy back and I think that there is enough collective sanity in that party, as dumb as its constituents are, to rebuke Palin as well.
independent thinker
January 22nd, 2011
12:21 pm
Hey Welcome Black Carter: you sound like a perfect Georgia repub. They need more people like you. Amazing how a politician who resigns amid ethics investigations and scandal becomes highly qualified in this state to run for office.