"Gingrich edges closer to run"

Source:  CNN – 9/27/2007

Thoughts: Newt Gingrich continues to be a conflicted individual. If he were truly serious about running for President, he would have done so already. Maybe his conscious and subconscious minds are not talking to each other. In any case, Newt makes a great catalyst to the discussion. The topics to be covered on his Solutions Day include:

- Green Conservationism (including biodiversity, hydrogen, nuclear power, clean coal, and improving the local environment)
- Tax reform (fair tax and flat tax discussions)
- “Illegal immigration”
- Individual citizenship (local, state, government)
- Social security reform
- Health care
- Space exploration
- Public education
- National security and intelligence

The presenters on the issues come from a diverse political field, including Congressman Brian Bilbray (R), former Congressman Robert Walker (R), former Mayor Stephen Goldsmith (R), Congressman John Linder (R), former Congressman Dick Armey (R), Governor Roy Romer (D), Elaine Kamarck (D), and Governor Mike Huckabee (R). In addition with presenters from the public and private sectors, Newt has gathered a sizable and talented group of individuals to discuss and debate these issues to find a common ground solution to improve the current state of our nation. I almost hope that Newt decides not to run for office if he continues to work on these issues.

Article:  “Gingrich edges closer to run”
By Alan Duke

MARIETTA, Ga. (CNN) — Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich edged closer Thursday to launching a possible run for the GOP presidential candidacy in 2008, telling supporters that if they pledge at least $30 million to his campaign over a three-week period starting Monday and ending Oct. 21, he will compete for the nomination.

(Article continues.)

Gingrich chose Thursday, the 13th anniversary of the signing of his “Contract With America,” to launch his “Solutions Day” campaign, which he said is a search for bi-partisan answers to the country’s major challenges.

While never mentioning the 2008 race in his speech Thursday night, Gingrich outlined what sounded like a campaign message when he called for “real change, not the same old stuff.”

He said “very bold” proposals are needed to bring theUnited States government into the 21st century.

“I think, as a general rule, that levees should not break, that bridges should not fall, that students should actually learn,” Gingrich said.

Gingrich was careful to make his Solutions Day launch a bi-partisan event by including well-known Democrats. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin delivered a videotaped appearance and former Colorado Gov. Roy Romer spoke in person about the need for education reforms.

The campaigns of GOP presidential contenders Mitt Romney, Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and Ron Paul were allowed to hand out literature.

(Read the rest of the article here.)