To The Editor:
With the holiday season in full swing and the constant bombardment on television related to the Republican Presidential Nomination process I have made a decision.  I am throwing my wholehearted support behind Former Speaker Newt Gingrich. I know, I know, some of you readers may be scratching your heads why, but before you totally dismiss this commentary, check out his ideas located on his website and his new 21st Century Contract with America.
I am no political pundit and I cannot quote statistics but what I can say is that while Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House, the greatest growth our country has seen in decades existed including having a surplus instead of deficits. In my personal life, as well as running a small business, the reality of sound fiscal practices dictate you can not spend more than you take in, it’s that simple. Speaker Gingrich’s plan is to drastically reduce the size of government by eliminating unnecessary agencies, departments and “czars”, pass a balanced budget amendment, approve the Keystone Pipeline, and the list goes on, including “Day One” Executive Orders and a multitude of legislative proposals. Sure, there is a lot of rhetoric like every other politician and Speaker Gingrich has been a member of the establishment, but the fact remains it is going to take a Washington insider to get this country moving forward again. This need for leadership and legislative success is evident, given the President’s inability to get Congress on the same page or at least move them in a positive direction. Newt Gingrich is the only candidate (including the President) with a record of accomplishments during a great time of prosperity for our country.  Newt Gingrich is a historian known for his great intellect and ideas.  I, too, majored in history and we all know that unless things change we are bound to repeat the same mistakes over and over.
I voted for President Obama. I believed in his message and his sincerity and his desire to make a change for the better. I am glad I voted for President Obama.  I think that was the only sound decision for me and this country at the time. I believe voting for President Obama again would be a mistake and not a good decision for me or our country. Newt Gingrich, in my opinion, is the whole package: he has the intellect, the knowhow, and the inside experience to get Congress working again to put this country back on top where it belongs.
I am proud to be an American. I am tired of being disgruntled. I am tired of watching the news about people protesting, being unemployed and jobs being outsourced. It is time that we harness what made this country great, our people unified as a nation, making a difference at home and in our communities, and eventually the world. More importantly, each and every generation prospering and doing better than the last. I ask you to consider Newt Gingrich. Thank you and God Bless America.
Jude R. Florio
Ocean Grove
