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Georgia GOP likes what it sees in Gingrich, Fred Thompson |
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By Jackie Kucinich
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Posted: 04/16/07 08:53 PM [ET] |
Hoping that a more conservative candidate will enter the GOP presidential primary contest, Georgia Republicans are closely watching former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.) and former Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.).
Several of the Georgia lawmakers, among the most conservative in the House, have not yet pledged to support either. But they have said either could be a viable candidate and a more conservative alternative to current candidates.
Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.), who represents parts of Gingrich’s old district, has announced he is supporting former GOP Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. But he acknowledged that a bid by Gingrich or Fred Thompson would change the dynamic of the Republican primary by forcing the quality of candidates to improve.
“I believe that steel sharpens steel,” Price said.
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) and Gingrich have been friends for 15 years, said Brian Robinson, Westmoreland’s spokesman. He said that few politicians can “communicate big-picture ideas” and offer “vision and the smarts” the way Gingrich can.
Gingrich and Westmoreland have spoken recently but did not discuss a possible run.
“Right now [Westmoreland] is going to keep his powder dry,” Robinson said. But he said that his boss is encouraged by Thompson’s potential candidacy.
Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), who also has not endorsed a candidate, said that Gingrich is popular among the GOP base. For them, he said, “Newt really has the best thoughts on healthcare, international relations including Iraq, [and] new innovations.”
Kingston added that Gingrich could start a campaign with institutional and fundraising advantages because he is a known commodity.
“So much of it is organization,” Kingston said. “You got to play in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. You have to have the grass roots and the foot soldiers, but I think it could be very open for him to take a look.”
Westmoreland, who has not endorsed a candidate yet, agreed that Gingrich’s conservative platform and reputation for generating ideas could give him a leg up on the current competition.
A CNN poll released earlier this month showed that 11 percent of GOP voters would back Thompson, while eight percent said they would vote for Gingrich.
“I think anyone of prominence, whether it is Newt or Fred Thompson, will change the presidential primary,” Price said.
But Gingrich’s decision to postpone a decision until later this year could make it difficult to muster support because of the primary schedule, said Price.
Although Gingrich is waiting, political observers have speculated that his decision to admit publicly last month that he had an extramarital affair during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial could indicate he is leaning toward becoming a candidate.
“He has not asked anyone to support a presidential campaign and will not do so unless he decides to run,” said Rick Tyler, a spokesman for Gingrich.
Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) is waiting for the race to develop and has chosen not to endorse a candidate. He and Gingrich have not spoken about a presidential run, said a spokesman.
Georgia Republican Reps. Phil Gingrey and John Linder did not return a call for comment. Gingrey publicly supports Romney.
Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss, both Georgia Republicans, did not return a call from The Hill seeking comment. |
