Newt Gingrich visited Columbia and Charleston today for a pair of fundraisers -- his second visit to South Carolina since the spring. Is he preparing a run for President 2012? I think so.
I know that a lot of the readers of this blog aren't excited about Gingrich, but I am. Here's why: Gingrich is the ONLY Washington political leader in my lifetime who actually managed to reduce federal government spending.
When Gingrich became speaker, federal spending was 22.4% of GDP. When he left, it was 18.4% of GDP. It was a magnificent accomplishment.
Yes, Clinton deserves some credit too. After two failed years in office, Clinton decided to go along with Gingrich in removing welfare from entitlement status, cutting the capital gains, and much more. America benefited from their collaboration.
What happened after Gingrich left office? George Bush and his big government GOP Congress escalated spending faster than any President since LBJ. Obama has made it worse.
I love Ron Paul. I voted for him and volunteered for him when he ran for President in 1988. However, he's not a young man any longer. He may have to be satisfied as being the godfather of America's second love affair with liberty. (Not a bad historical position!)
If Gingrich runs I will support him in the primaries because he is the only political leader in my life time that has actually managed to rein in government spending.
I also generally like Sarah Palin and will support her if she gets the nomination.
I will not support RINO Romney, Huckleberry, or Benito Giuliani because they do not represent the kind of party that Goldwater and Reagan spent so many years trying to build.
