Romney to Gingrich: Release Freddie Mac report

By: Sarah B. Boxer
Topics: Campaign 2012

(Credit: CBS)

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Opening up a new line of attack against Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney on Saturday called on his rival to release a report he gave to Freddie Mac concerning the past work he did for the mortgage giant.

Gingrich has come under criticism for taking taxpayer money to allegedly lobby on behalf of Freddie Mac, an institution that is unpopular with conservatives.

The former House Speaker has denied lobbying, and said his firm merely provided "historical advice."

"[Gingrich] said he was an historian and just provided historical information," Romney told a crowd at his campaign headquarters. "Then he said he told them what they were doing was somehow not going to work.

"I'd like to see the report. We've got a Washington insider talking about Freddie Mac. Let's see what his report was to Freddie Mac, what he said to them, what advice he gave them."

Gingrich's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sarah Huisenga contributed.

Sarah B. Boxer
Sarah B. Boxer covers politics for CBS News.
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by kevinruize January 21, 2012 11:56 PM EST: One reason existing refinancing efforts have fallen far short of their goals is that Fannie and Freddie continue to charge homeowners high, risk-based fees up front to refinance their loans you can avoid this if you check your rates and fees at 123 Refinance before you sign; Reply to this comment


by noloyalisti January 21, 2012 5:18 PM EST: So "happy" second anniversary of the illegitimate "Supreme" Court's Citizens United decision. The decision based on the giant corporations plot to steal our elections forever more.

Now that money is free speech according to these anti-constitutional Supreme idiot corporatists, the richer you are the more free speech you have through the Super PACS for bribery and thievery of the public coffers.

Congratulations America!; Reply to this comment


by esq777 January 21, 2012 4:38 PM EST: Willard "Mitt" Romney is right on this, the Lizard should release the report on his dirty Freddie Mac loot. Newt is the ultimate "conservative" fraud. A guy who pretends to hate the government, while at the same time making millions from and because of his work in the government.; Reply to this comment

by Quivley January 21, 2012 2:43 PM EST

AS a senior citizen who has voted Republican in 12 general elections, I would rather not vote at all than vote for Gingrich. Any of the other three I could support,but never Gingrich.

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by netjunkie1 January 21, 2012 3:17 PM EST: You are a fool aren't you....voting republican in 12 elections shows your stupidity.


by luadda22 January 21, 2012 3:59 PM EST: net, no this "senior citzen" (by not voting) is really saying he/she wants another 4 years of Obama. That is the foolish part.

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by Quivley January 21, 2012 2:38 PM EST

A ridiculous comment is listed on this page about polygamy. Romney's church does not support polygamy and excommunicates any member who practices polygamy. Please correct your misinformation.

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by Lawyers-Guns-n-Money06 January 21, 2012 2:48 PM EST: You saw that nonsense too?


by netjunkie1 January 21, 2012 3:19 PM EST: You must be joking, anyone visiting Utah who has ventured into suburbs knows the mormons are living dual lives...they have police that act more like private security companies and run anyone off areas they feel violate private property when laws governing travel allow free passage....


by bolafson January 21, 2012 1:55 PM EST: Just a few possibilities here:
Romney does not really understand business or law. The report would be the property of the client and Gingrich would violate that confidentiality if he released it.
Romney understands the above and is demonstrating how cavalier he would be about laws both domestic and international as President.
All of the above and Romney is desperate.; Reply to this comment


by Lawyers-Guns-n-Money06 January 21, 2012 1:52 PM EST: Romney to Gingrich: Release Freddie Mac report
=====================

Burns to Smithers: "Smithers, release the hounds."; Reply to this comment


by credibility2 January 21, 2012 1:51 PM EST: Romney's request is legitimate and Gingrich should comply to have full disclosure and transparency.; Reply to this comment


by AnewPerspective January 21, 2012 1:51 PM EST: If you folks really don't like the country you live in - feel free to move to another country. If you think you can do better as leader of the country - then run for president. That's the whole point isn't it - this country still has the freedom and opportunity for folks like you to get involved and affect change for the better.; Reply to this comment