So we’d rather pick as the nominee a guy who’s been campaigning for the job the past 5 years or a guy who last held political office 13 years ago?
I do, however, think Newt is more electable than Rick, despite Newt's faults.
Following too many political pundits... It does not matter how long they have held political office (if any), it is what they have voted for and against. It is also about their honesty and character while in office that matters.