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Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program

The Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program is comprised of over 3,000 linear feet of archival collections, along with an extensive number of oral history interviews, that document the unique political culture of the state of Georgia.

Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich

Newton Leroy "Newt" Gingrich was born on June 17, 1943. Gingrich was a professor at the University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia in the 1970s; teaching history and geography.Gingrich ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in 1974 and 1976, finally winning a seat in 1978. Gingrich served in the U.S. House of Representatives until 1999, after leaving the House of Representatives he has continues to be involved in politics and think tanks. Gingrich campaigned to be the Republican presidential nominee in 2012.Gingrich co-authored the "Contract with America" which was an agreement between the United States Republican Party detailing actions the party would take if they became the majority party in the House of Representatives.; Interviewed by Mel Steely on December 30, 1997 at an unknown location.; This recording is an interview with Newt Gingrich in which he speaks of his arrival in Georgia and his introduction to the Republican Party through his involvement as a local volunteer for the Richard Nixon campaign of 1960 while at Ft. Benning.Following this, Gingrich moved to Emory University in 1961 and became active in the Dekalb County Republican Party.After the death of Ed Smith in 1962, Gingrich approached the Georgia Republican Party to apply for the position of Executive Director.Even though Gingrich was not hired, he was able to convince the party to create a state platform.; Gingrich speaks about the Long Range Planning Committee that he was a part of with Paul Coverdell and Mack Mattingly. He speaks of the dynamics of the men and how they worked together. He mentions Bo Calloway and his influence in the committee.Gingrich remarks that both Coverdell and Mattingly did more to keep Republicans in office while Gingrich came up with new ideas for the party and set the party priorities during the 1970s.Gingrich also mentions the political career of Bo Calloway during the 1970s and his controversial gubernatorial election.