|
Several GOP strategists and leaders suggested that Gingrich could still play a political role by reviving organizations he previously led that fought President Barack Obama's health care overhaul and raised millions of dollars for conservative causes. He also could return to his work as a commentator for conservative media outlets or perhaps accept a post in a Republican administration. Politicians have made comebacks after suffering big losses before. In perhaps the most famous example, Republican Richard Nixon lost the race for president in 1960 and was defeated in his bid for California governor two years later. "You don't have Nixon to kick around anymore," a bitter Nixon famously told reporters during what he called his last news conference. It wasn't. Six years later, Nixon was elected president. A major difference: Nixon turned 55 during the 1968 campaign. In 2016, Gingrich would turn 73. Tom Perdue, a Republican strategist in Georgia, has long been skeptical of Gingrich's candidacy and believes Gingrich is effectively finished in politics. "I sure don't see how he could be a contender for anything in the future," Perdue said. Dan Schnur, the communications director for Republican John McCain's 2000 presidential campaign, said Gingrich has improved his popularity ratings compared with when he was forced out as House speaker. Gingrich should have left the race a month ago, Schnur said, when he could have exited on a better note. "A string of fourth-place finishes tends to take the shine off," said Schnur. Still, he cautioned against writing off Gingrich from the political scene. "Each time," Schnur said, "he's managed to climb back."
[Associated
Press;
Associated Press reporter Mitch Weiss in Kings Mountain, N.C., contributed to this report.
Follow Ray Henry at http://twitter.com/rhenryAP.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor