I really think Newton had little to do with the 1994 outcome; it was a reaction against Clintonism. Most people in November 1994 had never heard of Gingrich, who was then the minority whip in the House. He did not follow through under his Speakership. Newton even said that he “melts” in the presence of Bill Clinton.
It wasn’t Newt’s public persona that made an important impact on the ‘94 election. It’s what he did behind the scenes, out of public view and away from the cameras. His public face didn’t come on strong until after he became speaker.