Novak: Newt in 2012

Shell-shocked Republicans are casting about for a savior for 2012, and believe it or not, the name most often floated for this Moses-like role is none other than Newt Gingrich, writes Bob Novak of the Chicago Sun-Times. It’s a “very risky choice,” admits one strong Newt-booster, but after failing miserably in their attempts to win independents and moderates, Republicans are anxious for some “old-time religion.”

The party is concerned about what they call Newt’s “character flaws,” but even one critic admitted that Gingrich has a seemingly “unlimited energy supply” and steady stream of ideas, two things the party sorely lacks right now. Certainly, the former speaker is interested. Gingrich confessed presidential ambitions to Novak way back in 1995 and is ready to pursue them now. (More Newt Gingrich stories.)