Posted on 05/01/2011 3:20:12 PM PDT by StatenIsland
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich plans to officially enter the presidential race early next week, he told Hotline On Call before Saturday's White House Correspondents Dinner.
"I'll be in by the 10th or 11th," Gingrich said, without elaborating on where or how he would announce his candidacy.
Gingrich had previously hinted that his announcement could come this week, telling reporters in Philadelphia on Thursday, "I would just say to folks who are really curious: Watch Facebook and Twitter in the next week. I think you'll have all the information you need."
But Gingrich walked back from that statement on Saturday, explaining that he hasn't yet completed the long and complex process of untangling himself from a web of business ventures that would complicate his candidacy in the eyes of the Federal Election Commission.
Gingrich spokesperson Rick Tyler cited those "business entanglements" and "contractual obligations" last week in explaining that Gingrich would not participate in the first GOP primary debate in South Carolina on Thursday. Participants in the debate are required to have filed paperwork for an exploratory committee with the FEC, which Gingrich has been unable to do.
Gingrich, whose campaign will be headquartered in Atlanta, will address the Georgia Republican Party's annual convention on May 13.
If he declares his candidacy earlier that week, Gingrich will have the rest of the month set up nicely for early state campaigning: He visits Iowa on May 20 to keynote a fundraiser for the Ida County GOP, and travels to New Hampshire on May 25 for a meet-and-greet reception at the Manchester home of former Senate candidate and conservative kingmaker Ovide Lamontagne, whose Granite Oath PAC is hosting a series of receptions for Republican presidential contenders.
Great...
Not a chance in the WORLD.
No newts is good newts...
Newt, there to put the monkey in the wrench.
Melvin Fodderpickle has a better chance.
Save your money, Newt.
Newt Gettingrich is still getting rich.
I’m waiting for Dole.
I hope you’re right.
A cabinet post is fine with me.
Bob or Elizabeth?
NONEWT
I hear that Dede Scozzafava just can't wait to endorse him!
And the World Yawns
Campaign slogan:
“If you love NAFTA and the WTO just wait”
I could agree to that. The man is smart and the good Lord knows we can’t afford to waste brains and talent — but his character issues preclude the Presidency.
The Dems would be beside themselves with glee if we were foolish enough to nominate him.
Let's all join hands to defeat Global Warming. Together, we can solve the climate crisis.
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