The Inner Qwest Of Newt Gingrich

Newt Gingrich's political career began officially in 1973 when he declared himself a candidate for Congress. In 1974 he gave a quote to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution which was clearly meant for the history books: "[My ambition] is to be an old-time political boss in 20 years."

Not the most idealistic of intentions, but that was Newt and he has done it --on his own, feverish timetable.

Most of the people who worked on the Gingrich congressional campaigns during the 70s were actually Democrats.

"My mama said that the only Republican who'd ever done anything for that part of Georgia was William Tecumseh Sherman," says Kip Carter. "We downplayed the Republican thing completely...You don't see 'Republican' in any of the ads or campaign posters." Says James Gray, a professor who was Newt's officemate for three years. "I voted for him in 1974 and it's the only time I ever voted Republican. I thought he was a moderate."

Along with his amorphous political persona, Newt showed a propensity for the kind of behavior boys boast about in the locker room.

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