[EDINVA]

“Newt has never run for statewide office let alone national office.”

No, but he DID run a national campaign once, for 435 races. You may recall, it was back in 1994. He managed to pull off a GOP majority in the House for the first time in 40 years. Followed up successfully two more times, too.

This is a ground game in each of the states. Once funded, Newt will be able to do a fine organizing job through his surrogates in the states, districts and precincts across the country.

[kabar]

Newt likes to claim credit for a lot of things he didn't do. He is an idea man, not a manager or executive. It was one of the reasons the members forced him out. He was also the only sitting speaker to receive a reprimand. The ethics committee voted 7-1 to reprimand him and fine him $300,00. The House voted 395-28 to uphold that recommendation with 90% of the Reps supporting the reprimand.

It remains to be seen what kind of ground game he can organize and how much money he can raise. His profligate spending on himself on the campaign trail is not exactly what donors like to see.