Tuesday, January 31, 2012

View Newt Gingrich's profile

A native of Pennsylvania, Gingrich shot to fame as the main architect of the 1994 Republican congressional election victory and author of the "Contract With America" political manifesto. The win catapulted him to the post of House Speaker in 1995 but he was later seen as having lost fights with President Bill Clinton over government shutdowns.

Gingrich ended his 20-year congressional career after Republican losses in the 1998 elections. He has been a political analyst and consultant, written over two dozen books and appeared as a Fox News commentator.

Gingrich has tried to answer tough questions on his personal life from the religious right. He is married to his third wife, with whom he had an affair while married to his second wife.

Basic facts:

Former Title: Speaker of the House (1995-1999)

Party Affiliation: Republican

Age: 68

Birthplace: Harrisburg, PA

Religion: Catholic

Alma Mater: Emory University (BA), Tulane University (MA/PhD)