-——He does not support one candidate over the other——
You are correct in that he must appear neutral during primary season.
However, back in the olddays, before Free Republic, there was a revolution and the Republicans ended 40 years of Democrat rule. Newt was at the forefront. There was a new crop of piss and vinegar Republicans with Newt as their leader.
Rush was their mascot. Rush was invited to give the keynote welcoming address to the freshmen. His ties to Newt are old and deep
I have no doubt that Newt is the one he favors most
Rush supports anyone who can and does articulate true conservative values from the heart as Newt has been doing of late.