GOP Rallies Around Gingrich

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Nov. 13) -- The House Republican leadership is lining up in support of House Speaker Newt Gingrich. "We unequivocally support Newt's re-election as speaker for the 105th Congress," says a statement released by Majority Leader Dick Armey and signed by 14 others.

"With last Tuesday's election, House Republicans won re-election to the majority for the first time in 68 years," the statement said. "It took an entire team to win this historic victory, but no one deserves more credit than our speaker, Newt Gingrich."

Gingrich has been taking potshots all week from Republicans worried that the ongoing ethics investigation of the him will become a millstone around the neck of the entire party.

Oklahoma Rep. Steve Largent earlier this week called for Gingrich to step aside while the House ethics committee considers a variety of charges against him. GOP Reps. Peter King of New York and Christopher Shays of Connecticut have also suggested that Gingrich step aside.

"I think it is a good idea," Largent told Fox Morning News on Sunday. "I think it would reduce the amount of rhetoric that we would hear on the floor for the 105th Congress and allow us to work more constructively and move forward."

The Associated Press says Gingrich talked to Largent on the phone, and that Largent retracted his statement and was apologetic, saying he hadn't been prepared for the question.

Largent isn't taking any more questions; he "has no further comment regarding his remarks," says Largent spokesman Nick Thimmesch. When AP asked whether Largent would vote for Gingrich in the closed-door GOP caucus meeting next week, Thimmesch said Largent "hasn't told me one way or the other." But he quickly added, "That shouldn't be taken as a no."

GOP Rallies Around Gingrich

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