Newt Gingrich to announce exploratory committee ‘within 10 days’ — in Georgia
Update at 11 a.m. Sunday: I was on a State Bar panel Saturday afternoon with Randy Evans, the Atlanta lawyer in charge of Newt Gingrich’s business interests. He’s quoted below.
Before we parted, Evans told me this: “In 10 days, Newt Gingrich will be in Georgia, announcing his exploratory committee.”
Evans later sent an e-mail. “Within 10 days,” he said.
So that’s Tuesday by March 8. Not necessarily on March 8.
Original post: As a culture, we no longer admire the tease. Gypsy Rose Lee always won applause by keeping her feathers discretely placed, but she is long gone.
The Internet is all about the full frontal.
Which is why you have to hand it to Newt Gingrich and the way he has managed to stoke continued interest in his presumptive Republican run for president with provocative breadcrumbs tossed out to journalists.
During a January visit to Georgia, Gingrich let it be known in private conversations that he’d scouted out office space for a campaign headquarters in Buckhead.
In Florida on Thursday, the former U.S. House speaker from Georgia even spoke of potential running mates. From the Palm Beach Post:
“Florida has two and maybe three potential vice presidential candidates right now, maybe four if you count Jeb Bush,” Gingrich said. He mentioned Sen. Marco Rubio, U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Plantation and Gov. Rick Scott.
On Friday afternoon, a South Carolina political blog published a transcript of a TV interview in which Gingrich pledged fealty to the first three states in the GOP contest. The former speaker made very careful use of the subjunctive as he dismissed Florida’s ambition to become an early contender:
My commitment would be explicitly to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. Then Floridians should figure out what they want to do. We went through this exact same game in 2007 and 2008. It is not a very dignified process I am afraid.
On Friday afternoon, Lori Geary with Channel 2 Action News caught up with two Gingrich allies in Georgia, who were dropping their own hints.
She quoted Matt Towery, the CEO of InsiderAdvantage: “I would say speaker Gingrich is about 90 percent there, and I would expect that the announcement would be one that he is running.”
More intriguing was the tidbit from Randy Evans, the Atlanta attorney who handles Gingrich’s business interests: “I just think we’re in the process of restructuring the businesses to make Newt’s possible candidacy a viability.”
Not all of this foreshadowing is under the former House speaker’s control. Earlier this week, a University of Pennsylvania student confronted Gingrich about his three marriages – launching a thousand Tweets across the Internet. The video can be seen above, courtesy of CBS.
From Geary and Channel 2:
Both Towery and Evans said the former speaker is ready for the tough questions about his personal life. Gingrich has faced scrutiny for his torrid past, including marriage scandals.
“The good thing for Newt Gingrich is that his personal life has been assaulted for over 20 years,” Towery said. Evans agreed, saying if voters are willing to look past his past Gingrich will be successful.
“If the election is about yesterday, then it’ll always be a challenge but if it’s about tomorrow then i think he’s got a leg up,” Evans said.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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294 comments Add your comment
Matty Truth
February 26th, 2011
9:06 pm
There is always some dumb ass on a blog quoting bible scripture…why? Not everyone shares your beliefs. The country has a divorce rate over 60% so I’m sure his past is not that dig of a deal. It’s more American to get a divorce than to sing the pledge of allegiance. I am not saying I’d vote for the guy. I’m just sick of hearing all the bible b.s.!
Malcolm Logan
February 26th, 2011
9:08 pm
Too Old
Too Fat
Too Dirty
I’m a conservative and do not want more of the same old Crap!
Why don’t they get it?
Their time is over and done with. The American people do not want two different shades of old and corrupt as in the past, but a clean, honest, integrity filled break with “Bi-Partisanship”.
.
steelers01
February 26th, 2011
9:12 pm
Divorce is a CHOICE!
God created “Adam and Eve!”
…Not …
“Adam and Eve, then Adam and Suzy, then Adam and Megan.”
Jesus hates divorce. It’s in the Bible. Divorce is an abomination.
Divorce will one day lead to people marrying animals.
—————————
Don’t think the Lord is too fond of Adam and Steve either.
luton
February 26th, 2011
9:12 pm
Good Lord no. Newt wouldn’t have a hope in heck of getting elected. I appreciate the work he did taking the House of Reps back. But he has too much personal baggage. Made too many bad judgement calls in the House, too.
Fanny Forbes Franklen
February 26th, 2011
9:20 pm
Enter your comments here
Just saying
February 26th, 2011
9:22 pm
All you Newt haters are truly something else. So quick label him a serial wife dumper, philanderer, absolute hypocrite, scum and on and on it goes. Such hate reveals a vileness of heart that makes Newt look like a saint.
RunRonPaul.com
February 26th, 2011
9:36 pm
Newt Gingrich, Marco Rubio , Allen West, Rick Scott are establishment politicians. They agree on the war in Afghanistan, they agree on monetary policy, they agree on war on drugs , they agree on Patriot Act, they agree on the income tax.
Ron Paul is change. He is a statesman and married for 50 years. He know economics and how to make important decisions for our economy.
J
February 26th, 2011
9:44 pm
There is some serious Newt-Derangement-Syndrome going around. Anyone calling Newt “washed up, irrelevant, a has-been”, etc… is clueless, and clearly hasn’t been following him for the past decade. I haven’t heard any potential candidate willing to make the bold proposals Newt has (eliminate the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, replace the EPA, etc..)
It doesn’t matter the subject…. Gingrich knows all about it, can cite historical examples of similar issues, and propose bold solutions….. off the top of his head! He doesn’t need a teleprompter, an army of advisors, poll results, etc.. No one else in the Republican field can come close to his experience.
Mitt Romney has Romneycare, and Newt has his Center for Health Transformation.
Palin is right on the issues, but is somewhat shrill, inexperienced (we see how that worked with Obama), and has little chance to win moderates. Newt can not only win moderates, but also some Democrats.
Huckabee is likable, experienced, and definitely the next best option should he choose to run.
People are craving someone with real solutions. Newt is by far the best guy. I’m willing to forgive his past mistakes.
Bobby
February 26th, 2011
9:44 pm
I tend to think Newt’s conversion to Catholicism is nothing more than more of his hypocrisy to get the so-called conservative Christian vote. I wonder if he recognizes that the President has to represent all Americans – black, white, gay, straight, divorced, Christians, Muslims and Hispanics, among other.
oldtimer
February 26th, 2011
9:46 pm
Would not openly support him..but wayyyyyyy better than OB
The Newt Gingrich fan dance | Political Insider « "Trust In Bachmann" Supporters For Congresswoman Michele Bachmann
February 26th, 2011
9:48 pm
[...] The Newt Gingrich fan dance | Political Insider. [...]
Jefferson
February 26th, 2011
9:54 pm
Gingrich has been wanting to run for years. No one wants him. He needs to take himself out of the public eye. No one is interested in him — with his immoral character.
Karat Koa Mom
February 26th, 2011
9:58 pm
Newt is a BRILLIANT man with lots of wonderful ideas, BUT I believe his past will make it nearly impossible for him to be successful in a bid for the presidency (look at Ted Kennedy). But Georgia does have an amazing man who is truly the right one for the job in HERMAN CAIN, not a political insider, but a regular citizen who has some wonderful ideas about how to get this country back on track. Cain, coupled with Allen West (FL – R), would be inspiring for the conservative base in this country.
Question Man
February 26th, 2011
10:01 pm
Wouldn’t Newt be better off waiting 10 years rather than 10 days? While the vast majority would still find him disgusting, wouldn’t it spare Georgians from a terrible embarrassment for 10 years?
buckhead willie
February 26th, 2011
10:04 pm
Tommy, take a pill. NOW!!
deegee
February 26th, 2011
10:04 pm
When I first heard that Nathan Deal was running for Governor of GA I thought he didn’t have a chance. Little did I know…
mark
February 26th, 2011
10:10 pm
Newt? He is sooo 1990’s. What has happened to the middle class,since he signed/thought up, the “Contract with America”. Or since Reagans trickle down economics. The Rich have gotten richer and the middle and low class, has gotten poorier. Vote for this fool and continue the fall of the middle class.
Bog & Bam
February 26th, 2011
10:14 pm
Someone needs to explore his chest cavity and find out if there is a heart in there.
DLink
February 26th, 2011
10:15 pm
If Newt can’t show me his full and COMPLETE tax return for this year.. He can’t have my vote, simple as that.
Newt Gingrich About to Kick Off the Race 4 2012 | Race 4 2012
February 26th, 2011
10:16 pm
[...] tip to Metro for finding this: http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/02/26/the-newt-gingrich-fan-dance/. It seems that the wait for 2012 is ending, according to Mr. Jim Galloway of the Atlanta Journal [...]
“In 10 days, Newt Gingrich will be in Georgia, announcing his exploratory committee.”
February 26th, 2011
10:23 pm
[...] Newt Gingrich to announce exploratory committee ‘in 10 days’ — in Georgia Jim Galloway at the Atlanta Journal Constitution. [...]
L Clark
February 26th, 2011
10:24 pm
Do you believe what the press has to say about Newt?? Have we not figured this out that they hate him and gee they Loved Obama does that not tell you something about who to believe. Obama ’s whole life history was never discussed by the press. Do your research for yourself do not believe what you hear about these canidates study there speaches read there books for yourself. Americans wake up the press is not doing it’s job you will have to stop beliveing what they publish and get off your lazy butts and find the truth yourself!!
localsavage
February 26th, 2011
10:28 pm
We Republicans dont need another war monger, misguided tax cutting, job exporter…Ron Paul for President
radiomankc
February 26th, 2011
10:28 pm
Gingrich has done enough damage. He needs to leave our president and our country alone. Was he involved in distracting Pres Clinton while arab men were learning how to fly jetliners into buildings? These men should be charged with treason! for the attempted overthrow. The things men will do for money!
Beter Than O
February 26th, 2011
10:30 pm
Almost anyone would be better than that limp, lame, clueless, ignorant, no class lying SOB that’s in the White House now.
Mongo
February 26th, 2011
10:35 pm
Maybe Newter is going back into politics to troll for a new wife. I’m sure spouse #3 must be getting a little long in the tooth by now.
I bet Newter has a great chance to get elected in Georgia. The locals will vote for any corrupt scumbag as long as they have an “R” next to their name on the ballet. Look at the crook that they elected governor.
tc
February 26th, 2011
10:35 pm
Go Newt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steven R Rath
February 26th, 2011
10:36 pm
When are we going to demand this sh#$ for brains socialist either do something or he will go the way of Gadoofy and Mubutthea#, his closest two act alike s?
DanStlMo
February 26th, 2011
10:44 pm
I still have vivid memories of Newt and Nancy sitting on a couch telling me “Global Warming” was real. So.. no thanks Newt.
Mike Watson
February 26th, 2011
10:49 pm
We are at a point like we have not been in my lifetime when we need a leader with competence, vision and a clear understand of history. Like him personally or not, there is no one on the current political scene more qualified to be President of the United States than Newt Gingrich. It’s clear that many on this site will take to partisan jabs, insults and name calling, but you have no one on the left that is as qualified. Obama should not be set as a benchmark for President. All insults aside, he would not make it past the first round of interviews to manage one of my offices. I urge you to find a leader that will put America first, its culture, its values and security. At least then, if Newt loses the race to that person, we will at least be better off than we are today.
Cocoa
February 26th, 2011
10:52 pm
NAFTA, GATT, CONTRACT FOR AMERICA. He sure has the gall.
Kim Baliey
February 26th, 2011
10:54 pm
Gingrich has slammed Sarah Palin and mocked Birthers,
This guy has zero chances, he’s a traitor and a RINO
Last time I saw him he was gushing praise for our Supreme Muslim Leader Obama.
Sick & Tired Of Being Sick & Tired
February 26th, 2011
11:01 pm
Newt is OLD NEWS!!!! He has about as much chance as I do and I’m not going to waste my time and other folks money organizing an exploratory committee….WHAT A JOKE!!!!
This ought to be a hoot and it makes for good TV…Newt and Sarah battling it out for the GOP nomination…..NOT!!!!!!
dre
February 26th, 2011
11:02 pm
Run Newt! The country needs you!
Hawkeye
February 26th, 2011
11:16 pm
Go T-Paw! http://www.iowansforpawlenty.com
Neuter Newt
February 26th, 2011
11:23 pm
Newt Gingrich is a shrewd political scam artist. Sure he’s smart, but he’s made a living off of being a politicpiranha. He’s manipulation of the tax code to line his wallet with tax free investments should be a concern to everyone. His ditching of his wife while she was dying of cancer then arrogantly suggesting to her that his speaking before the Christian Coalition was vital as America needs his great mind is repulsive.
Do as I say not as I do is pure hypocracy. Neuter Newt Gingrich…. But then again Georgians were forced to elect a scam artist as Governor. Puke!
Neuter Newt
February 26th, 2011
11:25 pm
Ol’ Deal has endorsed Newty Newt already….that says something for Deal’s judgement of character.
g good
February 26th, 2011
11:32 pm
Newt IS a serial wife dumper. First a wife with cancer, then the 2nd one had MS…in his own words “they were holding me back”. Now the one who is young enough to be his daughter. When will SHE dump him for a young one??? He actually believes he is entitled to the presidency!!! He is a first class pig…..& nothing more who will try to continue to bust the unions & help to make the rich richer & the poor poorer. Republicans are doing their level best to destroy the middle & poor class. I am through with the repugs for the way they with the house majority have done absolutely nothing to create jobs. I can see where they truly want slave wages for everyone who cannot or will not support their agenda. They have always been for the rich….you know….the people who give the big bucks for their re-elections.
2012 Watch: Newt Gingrich Decision Within Days | RegularGuyRant.com
February 26th, 2011
11:39 pm
[...] Credit: Jim Galloway Link: http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/02/26/the-newt-gingrich-fan-dance/ [...]
Mike Watson
February 26th, 2011
11:41 pm
I can’t figure out all these folks who hate rich people so much. Why? Is it pure envy…or do you really believe that you have done something to deserve having rich people give you their money? Instead of whining about someone else’s success, set yourself a goal and go for it…while you still have the opportunity.
Astralis
February 26th, 2011
11:59 pm
Personal issues aside, I think Newt would be the smartest candidate to have run for President in decades. The only policy issue that I did not like of his was his siding with the Communist Environmentalists but he has since changed his position and come back to reality.
Completely Random Open Thread
February 27th, 2011
12:02 am
[...] guy named Newt is hoping to “win the future” by returning to the past. Marriage is so sacred to [...]
Interested
February 27th, 2011
12:24 am
Boy, this sure stirred up a sh** storm! @Todd, you rightly pointed out that he asked his first wife for a divorce while she had cancer – actually flew down from DC and carried divorce papers to the hospital, delivered to her when she came out of surgery! The serial womanizer and wife dumper (now rumored to be running around on wife #3) had the hypocrisy to lead impeachment proceedings while he was lying about his own serial affairs. And Clinton was crucified for not publicly fessing up to allowing fellatio…. I’m just sayin’
Newt ’s corrupt finances were similar to those of his best bud Tom Delay, who has now been convicted and sentenced to 3 years. The Newtster resigned and got the heck out of Dodge before he had to do the perp walk too….. I must admit he is intelligent and articulate (after all, he WAS a college professor while he ran against Mr. Flint about 4 times), but way too sleazy to serve in elected office. He needs to keep writing books and raking in the big bucks making speeches and lobbying in DC, not run for any office.
pateriot
February 27th, 2011
12:27 am
Newt has one of the most brilliant minds in politics today with a firm grasp and understanding of history. Although there are a couple of issues which I do not agree with him on , such as illegal immigration, I would be very excited to vote fo him!
The Emperor's New Clothes
February 27th, 2011
12:28 am
The current president didn’t create the huge deficit. The former president did, with his $12 billion-per-month war and his tax cuts for the wealthy.
Steven Peeders
February 27th, 2011
12:38 am
The wonderful thing about being human is that even though self-righteous people love to throw stones, God still loves us and is a forgiving Father. I believe that Newt will not only make a good president, but he is one of the brightest minds and greatest visionaries of our time. Newt is a leader and in my opinion the best one out of all the current political parties. I think he has what it takes to quickly get our nation back on the right road and he is absolutely what this nation needs to get us back to a position of strength rather than passivity.
JJGH
February 27th, 2011
12:41 am
What’s worse: a guy divorced and remarried (divorce and remarriage is definitely wreaking havoc in the world) or a guy like Obama who supports gay marriage and abortion and most everything liberal and anti-Christian and anti-Bible. Voting for a President is always a lesson in voting for the lesser of two evils. Keep in mind that Obama’s black liberation cultic theology often falsely and dangerously teaches that blacks & other dark skinned people are the true Israelite Hebrews while white people are cursed Edomites needing destruction including most Jews in Israel since they are mostly white. Electing Obama was like electing a 20 year member of the KKK (counterpart black liberation theology) with a radical hooded crazy leader (counterpart Jeremiah Wright) who married and baptised their family.
…to announce exploratory committee ‘in 10 days’ | The Daily Conservative
February 27th, 2011
12:52 am
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kentex1146
February 27th, 2011
1:02 am
When he first went to Congress he was much like the Tea Party of today. Over time, he got used to the power of the beltway………and he eventually became no better than some of the other pretenders.
I now rank him right ‘down’ there with Bob Dole.
atlmike
February 27th, 2011
1:36 am
exploratory committee is helping newt find a new 20 something woman with whom he can cheat.