Gingrich Kicks Off Re-election Campaign

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 22) -- House Speaker Newt Gingrich kicked off his campaign for re-election today, calling for a grass-roots effort to defeat his mega-bucks, businessman rival.

"I have an opponent who is a liberal millionaire," Gingrich told the Associated Press from his Roswell campaign headquarters. That's Great American Cookie Company founder Michael Coles, who has promised to spend $3 million, and is the best financed of the Democrats seeking the nomination to run against Gingrich.

"He can write (the campaign budget) out of his own pocket," Gingrich said. "It's in the Jay Rockefeller-Teddy Kennedy tradition. He can prove how much he cares about the poor by writing a $3 million check."

Gingrich is not lacking in funds, however. He raised a total of $1.8 million in 1995, and, if he maintains that pace, could raise more than Cole's predicted $3 million.

After paying a $4,008 qualifying fee for the July 9 Republican primary, Gingrich told reporters he expects the GOP to gain 15 to 20 House seats, and four to seven Senate seats this election year.

Coles, who qualified for the Democratic race today, commented "I don't think he (Gingrich) does anything for our district. I think he is caught up in political posturing and self promotion."

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