Newt Gingrich clarifies: Just exploring the possibility of exploring a 2012 run

Contrary to prior reports, the former House speaker will not announce the formation of a committee tomorrow

Published March 2, 2011 4:03PM (EST)

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)  (AP)
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich addresses the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (AP)

Yesterday, Newt Gingrich was set to announce the formation of his presidential exploratory committee at an event on Thursday with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. For a few hours. Later, Gingrich's spokesman clarified that the former House speaker will not announce the formation of a committee. This week. Maybe later. Just whatever you do, keep asking if he'll eventually form a committee to explore the possibility of perhaps running for president.

Thankfully, Politico's "Morning Score" is on the case! (Good lord, how many stupid morning newsletters does Politico need?) According to the Morning Score, "making money" is covering the spread against "running for president":

One Republican with knowledge of the situation told Score that Gingrich is likely to confirm his “intention to announce,” but not actually unveil an exploratory committee. ABC reports Gingrich may use the term “explore phase” rather than “exploratory committee” – another way of stopping short of a full-scale announcement. The reason: Untangling the web of business and political groups Gingrich is involved in has proven complicated and he’s not in a position just yet to take a more formal step toward running.

You see, once you form one of these "committees," you have to file with the Federal Election Commission. And for a guy who makes a lot of money from a lot of different places, that might be kind of a bother.

So tomorrow Newt Gingrich will get a lot of attention for saying nothing more than he's been saying for two years now.


By Alex Pareene

Alex Pareene writes about politics for Salon and is the author of "The Rude Guide to Mitt." Email him at apareene@salon.com and follow him on Twitter @pareene

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