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Gingrich, Newt

House Republicans Intensify Efforts to Save Gingrich's Job Amid Ethics Scandal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

House Republican leaders rallied their party members in a conference call yesterday, urging them to rally behind embattled Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich has been facing mounting pressure over ethics charges related to the use of tax-exempt funds for political purposes. Despite the efforts of the Republican leadership, it appears unlikely that the House ethics committee will complete its work on the matter before next Tuesday's election for speaker, a Democratic member of the committee said. The committee's chairman, Rep. Nancy Johnson, has been struggling to schedule a hearing on penalties for Gingrich, who has acknowledged ethics violations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House Republican leadership held a conference call with rank-and-file members to rally support for Speaker Newt Gingrich.
  • At least 10 House Republicans have expressed uncertainty about supporting Gingrich, and some have declared their opposition.
  • Rep. Michael P. Forbes of New York became the first Republican to publicly oppose Gingrich's re-election as speaker.
  • The House ethics committee is unlikely to complete its work on the ethics charges before next Tuesday's election for speaker.
  • The committee's chairman, Rep. Nancy Johnson, has been struggling to schedule a hearing on penalties for Gingrich.
  • The ethics committee's deliberations will not be completed by January 7, according to Rep. Jim McDermott and Rep. Steve Schiff.
  • Rep. Steve Schiff expressed doubt that the sanctions hearing can be accomplished by January 7, citing the need for committee members to be briefed on the case.
  • At least 10 House Republicans have expressed uncertainty about supporting Gingrich's re-election.
  • Rep. Jon D. Fox of Pennsylvania said he wants to hear more facts before making a decision, while Rep. James C. Greenwood of Pennsylvania plans to support Gingrich.

Statistics:

  • Republicans will control the new Congress 227-208 (The Washington Post, November 1990).
  • At least 10 House Republicans have expressed uncertainty about supporting Speaker Newt Gingrich.
  • Rep. Michael P. Forbes of New York was the first Republican to publicly oppose Gingrich's re-election as speaker (Albuquerque Journal, November 18, 1994).

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The Washington Post
  • Albuquerque Journal
  • Diane Marczely and Joseph P. Ferry, Staff writers for The Morning Call

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