Current Position:Former Speaker of the US House; Author, Speaker, Historian
Age:68
Background:Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and raised in nearby Hummelstown. College professor, historian and author who lost two races for the US House, finally won, then was re-elected ten times serving as Minority Whip and Speaker during his tenure.
Family:Married to Callista; three daughters from previous marriages.
Abortion:Gingrich believes that abortion should not be legal but does not believe the nation is ready to enact a constitutional amendment stating so. He wants to end taxpayer subsidies for abortion.
Budget/Spending:Gingrich was the architect of the Contract with America that called for a balanced budget and taxpayer relief. His efforts led to both. Now he wants to bring back a balanced budget implementing money saving reforms.
Economy/Jobs:Gingrich wants to permanently set the Bush tax cut rates and move toward an optional 15% flat tax. He believes we need to strengthen the dollar and end runaway inflation. Removing burdensome regulations and programs will also help the economy, he claims.
Energy:Gingrich introduced America to “Drill Here, Drill Now.” He wants to end the ban on oil shale development and reduce frivolous lawsuits while financing cleaner energy research. He also makes the bold step to replace the EPA.
Foreign Policy:Gingrich believes we need an honest national dialogue and a determination to be candid about our opponents, honest about the problems and passionately committed to the survival of America as a free country.
Guns:Gingrich believes the 2nd Amendment is a way to defend ourselves and live in an orderly society.
Health Care:Gingrich sees the offering of generous tax credits as a way to increase price competition in the industry. He thinks offering choice in Medicare and block-granting Medicaid to the states will offer solutions.
Immigration:Gingrich sees the immigration problem as more than just illegal residents. He wants to secure the border to prevent terrorist organizations from sneaking agents and weapons into the United States.
Social Security:Gingrich calls Social Security “a fact,” but he wants to offer a plan for those 40 and younger to chose either a personal investment option or the current system.
Taxes:Gingrich believes in a flat tax and much of his economic plan hinges on major tax reform and reduction. He passed a capital gains tax cut as Speaker.
