Newt Gingrich: The Candidate

QUICK FACTS

• NAME: Newton Leroy Gingrich
• OCCUPATION: U.S. Representative
• BIRTH DATE: June 17, 1943 (Age: 68)
• EDUCATION: Emory University, Tulane University
• PLACE OF BIRTH: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

After the 1994 mid-term elections, Newt Gingrich became the first Republican Speaker of the House in 40 years. Most of the legislative items in his well-publicized “Contract with America” were passed by the House and many became law. His term as Speaker was marked by his opposition to many of Clinton’s policies, which led to a budget showdown, government shutdowns, and acrimonious impeachment proceedings. However, Gingrich and Clinton also reached agreements on welfare reform, a capital gains tax cut, and a budget deal that led to four straight balanced budgets. Gingrich resigned from Congress in 1999. Gingrich authored several books, and stayed involved in politics, serving as a political commentator and a consultant for various think tanks. In May 2011 Gingrich announced he would seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.

Read Biography here: http://www.biography.com/people/newt-gingrich-9311969

Newt Gingrich on the issues: http://www.issues2000.org/Newt_Gingrich.htm

Newt Gingrich website: http://www.newt.org/