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The New Hampshire Union Leader’s endorsement of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich could not have come at a better time for the former Georgia Republican Congressman, as he is getting kisses of death from places GOP primary voters are not necessarily fond of.
Senator Chuck Schumer, New York Democrat, knows very well that any kind of support from him towards a Republican candidate could deep six that GOP’er in as fast as New York minute. Sen. Schumer was asked by Meet the Press’s David Gregory on Sunday about former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich’s recent ascent to the top of the Republican presidential primary pack.
Mr. Schumer seized upon Gingrich’s thoughts on how to solve the nation’s illegal immigration problem.
(10:12 in from video above) “He’s clearly a smart guy, and look I give him some credit for not just blowing with the winds on an issue like immigration. That showed real courage and I think people are looking for courage and leadership,” said Senator Schumer.
The former House speaker’s ideas on staving off illegal immigration, which included welcoming guest workers and tracking them with secure IDs, may hurt him among conservatives who interpret his ideas as amnesty.
Senator Schumer was not the only influential Democrat to speak nicely of Mr. Gingrich. Former President Bill Clinton, also endeared himself to Mr. Gingrich telling Newsmax, “He’s articulate and he tries to think of a conservative version of an idea that will solve a legitimate problem.”
Mr. Clinton added, “For example, I watched the national security debate last night. And Newt said two things that would make an independent voter say, ‘Well, I gotta consider that.’”
