Newt Gingrich

After eight years of the Bush administration, Democrats are once again in control of the White House. Until 2010, congressional Republicans were reduced to minority levels not seen since Gingrich led the 1994 Republican revolution that broke 40 years of Democratic dominance in Washington. Of course, the tea-party revolution saw the GOP retake the House majority in 2010 and win six seats in the Senate. Where Gingrich fits into the modern GOP movement has yet to be defined.

ON THE ISSUES

Newt Gingrich on the Economy

As former House speaker, was in charge during 1994 government shutdown and argues it led to 1996 balanced budget deal. Opposed the 2008 Wall Street bailout, calling Bush Treasury Secretary Hank Paulsen the worst “in American history.” Supports deep federal spending cuts in exchange for raising debt ceiling, no tax increases in 2013, a zero capital-gains tax rate and ending the estate tax.

Newt Gingrich on Education

Gingrich advocates shrinking the Education Department, and he has proposed financial incentives for students to explore advanced math and science classes, as well as jobs within schools. He has supported aspects of the No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top initiatives.

Newt Gingrich on Energy

Has called for end of Environmental Protection Agency and start of immediate offshore drilling in Arctic. Fundamentally believes in doing something about climate change, but opposed July 2009 cap-and-trade bill, though once said he would “strongly support” such a system. Supports ethanol subsidies.

Newt Gingrich on Foreign Policy

Gingrich has been critical of President Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan and indicated that he would be willing to have U.S. forces stay longer and fight more aggressively in the war-torn country. He supported a no-fly zone in Libya, but then opposed U.N. backed military intervention, though said U.S. and allies should defeat Moammar Gadaffi quickly.

Newt Gingrich on Health Care

For repeal of 2010 health-care bill. Now against individual mandates, supports state lawsuits against requiring all citizens to carry health insurance. Argues individuals responsible for own health care and that states should design a system that works uniquely for their citizens. Refers to “patient power” as key to reforming the system, including tax credits expanding choice for Medicare recipients and high-risk pool for sick.

Newt Gingrich on Immigration

Gingrich favors increasing security along part of the Mexican border by dispatching drones and moving as many as 23,000 homeland security workers to border states. He sparked controversy by proposing a path to legal status for some illegal immigrants.

Newt Gingrich on Medicare Reform

Stirred considerable controversy when in May 2011 slammed Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-Wisc.) plan to slash federal deficit by turning Medicare into a voucher program. Called the plan “right-wing social engineering,” but quickly backed away from the statement after national GOP leaders slammed him. Later apologized to Ryan and said he would have voted for the plan when it passed the House in spring 2011.

Newt Gingrich on Social Issues

A Catholic convert in 2008 (he was a Southern Baptist), Gingrich is against abortion rights , but doesn’t want to criminalize doctors for performing them or women for receiving them. Supports some legal rights for homosexuals, but not gay marriage or adoptions by gay couples, but said he prefers not to be “judgmental about others.” Social issues weren’t a big focus of his tenure as House speaker.

Newt Gingrich on Social Security

Gingrich would keep the current system, but he would offer another choice. It would allow people to put their money into personal accounts, to be invested in the private market.

Newt Gingrich on Tax Code

Gingrich has remained firm in his support of lower taxes and his opposition to new taxes. He has argued that any form of tax increase — short of closing loopholes for special interests — would hinder economic growth during an already sluggish recovery.

Newt Gingrich’s Favorite Things

Favorite book: “ Human Action: A Treatise on Economics ” by Ludwig von Mises and “ The Law ” by Frederic Bastiat

Favorite websites: lewrockwell.com, mis es.org, antiwar.com

Favorite thing: 

Favorite junk food: His wife’s homemade chocolate chip cookies

Favorite hobby: Growing tomatoes

Favorite exercise: Bike riding

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