Newt was exonerated of all ethics charges. The “public disgrace” is in your eyes only.
Nope.
Here's what the ethics Committee said:
“The subcommittee decided that regardless of the resolution of the … tax question, Mr. Gingrich’s conduct in this regard was improper, did not reflect creditably on the House, and was deserving of sanction.”
Here's what Gingrich said:
On Dec. 21, 1996, Gingrich admitted that he violated the House ethics rules and he apologized. “With deep sadness, I agree. I did not seek legal counsel when I should have in order to ensure clear compliance with all applicable laws, and that was wrong,” Gingrich said. “Because I did not, I brought down on the people’s house a controversy which could weaken the faith people have in their government."
Sanctions against Gingrich were overwhelmingly approved by the House, Democrats and Republicans alike, including censure and payment to the Committee of $300,000.00.
Doesn't look like "exoneration" to me.