Gingrich: I was wrong to endorse Scozzafava

The Hill ^

[Sub-Driver]

Gingrich: I was wrong to endorse Scozzafava By Eric Zimmermann - 02/01/10 03:42 PM ET

Newt Gingrich says he regrets endorsing Dede Scozzafava in the hotly contested primary for the NY-23 congressional district in November.

Scozzafava was criticized by many national Republicans for being too liberal. She eventually dropped out of the race and endorsed Democrat Bill Owens, who eeked out a victory.

"She turned out to be a huge disappointment, and she turned out not to be frankly a loyal Republican," Gingrich told an interviewer in New Hampshire this weekend.

The former speaker added that conservatives who criticized his endorsement at the time "had the better of that argument."

Gingrich said he didn't realize how "radical" Scozzafava was when he endorsed her. Conservatives lambasted her for supporting gay marriage and card check, among other liberal positions.

"She had some positions that were far more radical than I realized at the time, and I think in retrospect it was probably a mistake," he said.

Listen to Gingrich's comments below. [H/t GOP 12]

[truthandlife]

Gingrich said he didn't realize how "radical" Scozzafava was when he endorsed her.

Well this alone should disqualify you from being the Republican nominee for President because there are a lot of radicals that are trying to be "wolves in sheep's clothing." By the way, Newt do you recognize this "radical" who is sitting on the couch with you? How is that climate change partnership working out for you?

[Dixie Yooper]

Why does Sean Hannity have him on so often.

So Sean doesn't have to do all the talking, all the time.

[TexasCajun]

Too late Butt-Breath!!

Now go talk to Sean, he's about the only one listenting to you these days.

[xp38]

The wind direction has changed.

[flash2368]

No more Bushes...No more Newts
Enough already...go away

[fish hawk]

Newt was “in the political loop” and didn't know about this woman what a little guy like me knew way out in Hawaii. That alone is enough to tell you something is wrong with the Newt. He needs to be Newtered.

[Dixie Yooper]

The former speaker added that conservatives who criticized his endorsement at the time "had the better of that argument."

That's because they were Conservatives, and you aren't one Newt.

[latina4dubya]

Gingrich said he didn't realize how "radical" Scozzafava was when he endorsed her.

but when he found out, he still insisted on her...

"... I think in retrospect it was probably a mistake," he said.

it was probably a mistake? in retrospect? oh please...

[TexasCajun]

If it were not for Hannity, both Newt and Dick Morris would be selling pencils to tourist in front of the White House.

[I see my hands]

"Why can’t this guy just go away?!"

Who knows? Sin cursed Earth? But he won't. And if he did there are a million of 'em to take his place. They won't go away. If you want to be rid of them you have to go away. That's the practical solution.

[uncbob]

Keep thinking Newt and maybe someday your ego will finally let you admit 94 was strictly a grassroots movement and not your achievement

When that happens you may really be on the road to reality

Until then you are still a hack politician

[marmar]

Yep, he is sucking like a Hoover on steroids, isn't he?

[dirtboy]

If it were not for Hannity, both Newt and Dick Morris would be selling pencils to tourist in front of the White House.

Now, now, Dickie Morris does have marketable skills - he could be cleaning toenails in a nail salon.

[lurk]

Wow, that’s quite a delay in cognitive process.

Tell Newt a joke and he’ll laugh...in 6 months.

[DogBarkTree]

Sarah, are you paying attention here?

[A Texan]

She was not a loyal Republican and Newt you are not a principled conservative. You can both piss off.

[fml]

"She had some positions that were far more radical than I realized at the time,..."

This is why he needs to just vanish from the political scene. So many saw what he missed but his voice is the one we heard

[Windflier]

Hey Newt. Here's one just for you...

[nina0113]

Not gonna matter, Newt. Your day is past.

[Secret Agent Man]

“....probably a mistake.”

Just can’t make it all the way and come out and say you were just wrong, can you, Newt? RINO is as RINO does.