No Thought of Presidency, Gingrich Says

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Newt Gingrich said Sunday that he’d given no thought to a run for the presidency since quitting as House speaker but wants to stay “an active citizen in public life.”

Two days after announcing he will quit the speakership and abandon his seat in the House, Gingrich appeared relaxed and smiled as he paid a birthday visit to his ailing mother at the Country Meadows Assisted Living Center, a tan brick building outside Harrisburg.

Talking to a few reporters before entering the building, Gingrich said he had no word on fellow Republicans’ fight to succeed him. He said he had given no thought to running for president and added that he will discuss his political future tonight in Washington at a meeting of GOPAC, the Republican fund-raising group he once headed.

“In the next couple of years I want to be an active citizen in public life,” said Gingrich, accompanied by three bodyguards and his niece, 12-year-old Emily Brown.

“I’m going to take time off and see America better, do some learning. I love learning.

“The next Congress is the next Congress,” the Georgia Republican said. “I have served my country, my party, the House. My career is one I will treasure all my life.”

When reporters continued to pepper him with political questions, Gingrich, who was carrying a wrapped gift, smiled and ducked inside among other visiting families.

The incoming GOP House members will vote for leaders by secret ballot Nov. 18. A vote by the full House for speaker is scheduled to take place Jan. 6 after the 106th Congress convenes.

An ABC News poll released Sunday showed 2-to-1 popular support for Gingrich’s departure. Respondents were nearly unanimous for reducing partisanship in Congress. Overall, 58% disapproved of the way Gingrich handled his job. The telephone poll of 503 adults was conducted Saturday and had a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.