Newt Gingrich is an American politician best known as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 until 1999.
Gingrich was born, Newton McPherson. His parents divorced when he was very young, and he was raised primarily by his mother until she married Robert Gingrich, who adopted Newt. He has one half-sister, Candace was born when Newt was almost an adult. After receiving his Ph.D, Gingrich taught history at West Georgia College from 1970 until 1978.
Gingrich ran twice, unsuccessfully for the House of Representative before finally winning the seat in 1978. After, which, he was re-elected ten consecutive times. His involvement with the House's Republican minority gave him the power to succeed Dick Cheney as House Minority Whip in 1989.
Gingrich's work co-authoring "Contract With America" brought success for the Republican Party during the Congressional elections. His continuous opposition to the Clinton Administration made him a strong congressional leader. He presided over the House during impeachment of President Clinton. He eventually resigned his position due to continuous criticism of his adulterous life and the Party's poor electoral results.
Gingrich has continued to work as a political analyst and consultant, writes government related books and articles and historical fiction. He is a senior member of the American Enterprise think tank. He serves as a commentator and contributor to Fox News Channel, often appearing as a guest.
Gingrich is considered a possible candidate for the Republican nomination for the 2008 Presidential race.
Gingrich married first wife, Jackie Battley on June 19, 1962, and had their first son the following year. He and Battley separated in 1980. Gingrich married his second wife, Marianne Ginther in February 1981; Gingrich and Ginther divorced after she discovered he was having an affair with a House aide, Callista Bisek, twenty-three years his junior. He and Bisek married on August 19, 2000. | 
