Gingrich amasses largest South Carolina campaign footprint

CNN ^ | November 8, 2011 | Shawna Shepherd

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Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich is building the largest campaign operation to date in South Carolina, hoping to seize conservative tea party support that could help keep his candidacy alive.

After picking up a little steam - and cash - with a number of strong debate performances, the former House Speaker is reviving operations with a nine person-strong staff, the campaign announced on Monday.

Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann and Texas Gov. Rick Perry have the second largest footprint with seven staffers each. Just last week, Bachmann brought on five people, including political strategist Wesley Donehue to lead state strategy and communications and assist with new media.

Businessman Herman Cain has four paid staffers in the state; former ambassador and Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman's campaign recently reduced its headcount to three people; former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has the smallest staff with two people on payroll.

Gingrich's Monday announcement includes

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One of the first executive orders Newt would issue...1. Eliminate the thirty-nine White House “Czar” positions created during the current administration. The president does not have the authority to appoint bureaucrats to power who are not accountable to the Congress.