ARIZONA REPORTER

PHOENIX - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, today has released a copy of the contract related to his firms work in 2006 with troubled mortgage giant Freddie Mac (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) in response to inquiry by GOP opponent Mitt Romney. In reality, the contract is no big deal and is most likely the reasoning for quick release of the document from the Gingrich camp as Romney scrambles to turn the medias attention from his failure to release his own tax returns.

Gingrich-Freddie Mac Contract, No Big Deal

The contract between Gingrich Group and Freddie Mac outlines that Gingrich' firm would provide consulting and related services as requested by Freddie Mac's Director of Public Policy in exchange for which Freddie Mac paid $25,000 per month during the tenure with a maximum contract amount of $300,000.

The contract states nothing significant other than typical boilerplate legal jargon and specifically outlines that there is no association, partnership or joint venture between the two organizations. Furthermore, the agreement was executed by then Vice-President of the Gingrich Group, Mr. Scott Cotter, not Gingrich himself.

Quite obviously, Mr. Gingrich' company was retained to lobby certain public policy amendments or to influence certain mortgage related legislation, although Gingrich refutes the position of a lobbyist. Although his tenure with the mortgage firm lasted nearly nine years, the released contract related only to the year 2006. Additionally, the contract does not specifically state that he was retained for his historical acumen.

So why the big deal? Most likely because fellow GOP potential Mitt Romney put his spin on the issue prior to the Florida GOP debate in order to remove media speculation of his delayed decisions to release his own tax returns.

What has Newt actually done? He seems to have implemented a user friendly collaboration via public input related to a series of Executive Orders he would sign on day one of his Presidency. "To harness the wisdom and knowledge of the American people, Newt is now collecting ideas for executive orders that he would sign on the first day. Newt.org will periodically release user submitted executive orders which will be added to the list he will sign on the first day of his presidency." As stated via his website.

As part of his "Contract With America" Gingrich has outlined straight forward issues that concern America, while searing definitive illustrations; of the Obama Administrations inept failures, into day one executive orders. It seems that Newt Gingrich actually believes that the best ideas actually come from the American's he represents.

Although this approach sounds wonderful, and most likely would turn things in the right direction for America, what we don't need is a 'flash in the pan' day one Presidency. Mitt Romney has resorted to senseless attacks on Gingrich; quite coincidentally, since his popularity has declined in light of the South Carolina GOP Primary Election.

All in all, Rick Santorum seems to be sidelined since the major media has jumped over the accusations from the Romney camp. This evenings Florida GOP Debate should provide some interesting banter related to the issue, along with some new ones.

By R. Stephenson

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