Actually, quite the opposite. Since resigning Speaker's seat he's done more for conservatism than most so-called "conservatives" ("compassionate" or not) - see the link in my post #57 to Gingrich's Secret Weapon: Newt Inc. - FR / WSJ, 2011 May 15, post #56
He also used the life in private sector to repair his personal life by finally getting out of failed marriage (that could happen, even to Rush - several times; and Reagan was the only great President in the last 50 years despite also being the only one who was married more than once) - see Jackie Gingrich Cushman : Setting the Record Straight (about my dad's first marriage) - FR, 2001 May 15, post #55
He also put forth in practice, in private sector the things other "conservative" politicians only advocate others to do.
rush ain’t running for office
instead of putting your energy into making apologies and excuses for failures in newt, maybe you should look for someone without newt’s shortcomings
Since Newt left the Speakership in 1999, he has carved out a nice life for himself and his political punditry on Fox has been interesting at times. On some major issues, however, Newt has been way off the conservative reservation.
For the most part, in the last 12 years Newt's done jacksquat -— nada, nothing, zero, zilch, zippo —— to help advance or to promote conservatism.... as in, Reagan conservatism.
Even Newt's rhetoric at times has gotten him in serious trouble. His appearance on Sunday's Meet the Press was not only strange, but severely damaged his credibility and any chance he had at winning the GOP nomination.
Reagan had very little baggage when he ran for President in 1980. He had been married for 28 years to Nancy. Frankly, Newt's private life has been an embarrassment.