>> The Dems are getting nervous. They thought they had taken Newt down over 10 years ago. Apparently not. >>
Finally, had to get to reply 18 before someone got it. This is the translation of Pelosi-speak:
“Oh hell, Newt will embarrass us in the debates. Let me “warn” Republicans not to nominate him or we’re in trouble.”
She doesn’t have jack.
They (the Democrats in the House in the mid 1990’s) filed a raft of ethics charges against him while he was Speaker. All but one fell by the wayside, i.e., were not found to be substantive. The remaining issue was regarding the use of tax deductible contributions to a non-profit organization which Newt created, for the purpose of producing a series of educational programs. For some reason, instead of fighting it, Newt settled that charge with the payment of a fine or forfeiture, which made it look like an admission of guilt. Meanwhile the IRS was administratively (at a glacial pace) deciding the propriety of the use of the tax-deductible contributions for that purpose. If I recall correctly they decided in Newt’s favor, sometime in 2001 or 2002, long after he had stepped down. I don’t think he ever received a refund of the forfeiture.
I have no fear that Gingrich can summon the facts and defeat this kind of threatened assault from Pelosi, and while doing it, I bet he blows a hole in Nancy Pelosi more effectively than any other Republican could.