Gingrich would want Palin to serve in his administration

By: Dan Farber
Topics: Campaign 2012

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin waves during a Tea Party Express rally Sept. 5, 2011, in Manchester, N.H.

(Credit: Getty Images)

Updated 5:23 p.m. Eastern Time

Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin are continuing their political romance as the Jan. 21 South Carolina primary approaches.

On Sunday, the former Alaska governor said she would vote for the former House Speaker in the South Carolina primary if she could, though she stopped short of a full endorsement. In the wake of that comment, Gringrich told CNN that he would ask Palin to take a major role in his administration if he is elected president.

"Certainly, she's one of the people I'd call on for advice," Gingrich told CNN's Wolf Blitzer Wednesday. "I would ask her to consider taking a major role in the next administration if I'm president, but nothing has been discussed of any kind. And it wouldn't be appropriate to discuss it at this time."

Gingrich is putting the pressure on his chief rival for the GOP nomination, Mitt Romney, calling for the former Massachusetts governor to release his tax returns and calling for his conservative rivals -- Rick Santorum and Rick Perry -- to unite behind his candidacy.

A CBS News/New York Times poll released Monday shows Romney leading in the national GOP race, with 28 percent support, followed Gingrich in second with 21 percent and Santorum and Ron Paul with 16 and 15 percent respectively.

A new CNN/Time/ORC International poll of likely South Carolina Republican primary voters, meanwhile, shows Romney leading Gingrich 33 percent to 23 percent, followed by Santorum at 16 percent and Paul at 13 percent.

Full CBS News coverage: Newt Gingrich

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Dan has more than 20 years of journalism experience. He has served as editor in chief of CBSNews.com, CNET News, ZDNet, PC Week, and MacWeek.
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by holosys January 21, 2012 8:43 PM EST: Since Gingrich has an "open marriage" I'm sure many don't see a problem with Palin as his White House mistress.; Reply to this comment


by CNH January 20, 2012 12:58 PM EST: Newt will offer Palin a position in his administration -- doggy style.; Reply to this comment


by username751 January 19, 2012 2:22 AM EST: To summarize: he crazy. Liberals wrecked the country. Democrats are *****. Republicans are *****. Republicans wrecked the country. Romney's too left. Hitler's too right. Blah, blah blah.; Reply to this comment


by Hutterite January 18, 2012 10:37 PM EST: I can't read all the comments there are too many already so someone may have already mentioned...I'd want sarah in my SNL sketch.; Reply to this comment


by robe59 January 18, 2012 10:36 PM EST: Now we know he is completely off his rocker.; Reply to this comment


by Weallhaveone January 18, 2012 10:24 PM EST: What the .... is wrong with politics today, they will pander like a cheap television ad. Sarah in a position of real power in Washington well fubar is all there is to say.; Reply to this comment


by w_roos January 18, 2012 10:18 PM EST: I'd think she'd make a great Ambassador to Russia -- that would allow her to work most of the time from home.; Reply to this comment


by scotttx January 18, 2012 10:13 PM EST: Newt you just blew it big time, Have you lost your Mind "Palin" We have enough brain dead people in Washington and we don't need another, You lost any chance of getting my vote now, What is it want her for your 4th wife?; Reply to this comment


by username751 January 18, 2012 9:23 PM EST: This is Newt prepping himself for a job at Fox, not at the White House. He knows he hasn't got a real shot anymore.; Reply to this comment


by circus2 January 18, 2012 8:57 PM EST: Well, my husband and I have been on the fence on which to vote for,
Dumb or Dumber. We now know we will vote Dumb....Romney. We can't
support anyone that is dumb enough to want Ms. Sarah in his maybe
administration. So long Gingrich.; Reply to this comment