Gingrich: I'll run if we raise $30 million

The Associated Press ^ | September 24, 2007 | The Associated Press

[Baladas]

WASHINGTON (MCT) -- In the latest sign of how unsettled the Republican presidential race is, Newt Gingrich says he'll run if supporters come up with $30 million in three weeks.

"I don't see as a citizen how you could turn that down," Gingrich said on "Fox News Sunday."

The fiery and controversial former speaker of the House has been a polarizing public figure.

Still, he believes he can mount a White House bid just a few months before voting starts because the GOP faithful have yet to solidify behind a candidate. Rudy Giuliani remains the leader, at 30 percent in the latest Gallup Poll, just 8 percentage points ahead of already-stumbling actor Fred Thompson.

Gingrich has tasked longtime adviser Randy Evans with launching the ambitious fundraising bid next Monday, and reporting back in three weeks.

"I want the commitments first," Gingrich said. "If there is, in fact, enough people in the country who think we need this kind of approach and this kind of change-oriented policies, then I think I'd feel a responsibility to run."

Gingrich isn't the only potential candidate whose name is still in play. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., said New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg shouldn't be written off, because the terrain remains so unsettled.

"This business is full of uncertainties," Hagel said on CNN's "Late Edition."

[trisham]

Quick! Everyone donate to someone else!

**************

LOL!

[bert]

Newt bowed out today. He told Fox News that he didn’t think he could raise the money.

He should use his talents to destroy the media that destroyed him.

[A_Tradition_Continues]

Newt Gingrich? Who needs that fat whoremonger?

[L.N. Smithee]

I think Newt's strategy has finally emerged: Wait for Fred, and see if he sucks all the air out of the room. If not, there's still enough interest for him to run.

Fred hasn't blown folks away, and Newt's making his move.

[Caipirabob]

I'm sorry, TexasCajun, but that picture needs a different caption:

"Say little Timmy, do you like movies about gladiators?"

[angkor]

So far, thank God, Newt doesn't have a Hitler to create a crisis that so shakes the Republic that we turn to him for leadership.

That is a succinct and excellent analysis and I thank you for taking the time to present it. So many of the criticisms of Newt are just maddening in their utter doltishness. And I have no great problem with your characterization, because it seems partially correct.

That said, IMO we are already there. And we do have our very own Hitlery to add to the grab-bag of impending crises.

[carton253]

How kind of Hitler to do all the for Winnie!