Des Moines, IA - The Chairwoman of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans will caucus on January 3 in support of Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, according to a copy of her endorsement letter obtained via email on Thursday and published by the Iowa Republican on Friday, Nov. 11.
Natalie Ginty, 21, a senior biochemistry major at the University of Iowa, called this election "the most important election of our lifetime" and urged her fellow Iowans to use their responsibility as a voter wisely, insisting they do their own research on the candidates.
During an interview in October, Ginty was tight-lipped about who she would ultimately endorse. But last week, at the conclusion of the Ronald Reagan Dinner in Des Moines, she mentioned that she had made her decision and would make it public in a matter of days.
Her endorsement does not represent the opinion of the entire Federation, merely the personal position of its chairperson.
In her letter, Ginty stresses the urgency to restore a nation she described as "suffocated with debt," whose citizens have been "crushed by the repetition of failed policies" coming out of Washington.
"We have seen the consequences of electing politicians who lack experience and leadership," she writes. "To return America back to prosperity, we need a leader with experience implementing bold solutions. We need a leader who has shown that they know how to get America working again. That leader is Newt Gingrich."
As observers have done since the outset of his campaign, Ginty joins the chorus of Gingrich supporters and Republican undecided voters who emphasize Gingrich's experience and credentials as a longtime representative who understands how to navigate the personalities and bureaucracy of Washington.
"Unlike the current administration, Newt is not blind to the difficulties facing our nation in this perilous time," she says.
Ticking off the highlights of his career, Ginty writes:
"Under Gingrich's leadership as Speaker, Congress passed the first balanced budget in a generation. In four years, Gingrich oversaw the creation of a stable economic environment that created 11 million jobs, while reforming welfare programs, restoring funding to strengthen our defense capabilities, expanding NIH research programs, and repaying over $400 billion in federal debt."
According to a recent ABC News-Washington Post poll released November 8, Newt Gingrich has been gaining ground in the 2012 presidential race, registering 12 percent support. This is a marked improvement considering he had previously struggled to crack double digits, even with his significant name recognition.
A combination of an enhanced campaign platform which included his 21st Century Contract with America and a handful of well received debated appearances may have made the difference.
Taking a page out of the candidate's own campaign strategy, Ginty's endorsement strongly conveys her support for Gingrich while not taking jabs at any of his Republican opponents.
"This election cycle in particular," she writes, "Republicans should all be proud of the tremendous depth our candidates display as they compete for our party's nomination."
Gingrich has arguably won the favor of Republicans and observers alike for his unyielding reluctance to engage in any inter-party bickering. Meanwhile, both he and his campaign staff have repeatedly alleged that the media is seeking to create tension within the Republican field in an effort to "protect" President Barack Obama.
Whether or not Gingrich is victorious in January, Ginty feels certain that if the Republican Party defeats President Obama in the general election, there is no Republican who would pass up appointing Gingrich to a post in their administration.
In closing, Ginty again encourages her fellow caucus goers to approach their decision independently, but doesn't hesitate to offer a few key words to help guide their selection.
"Make up your own mind on who you want to support, but in making this decision, consider who has the experience, record and ideas to lead our nation back from the brink," she says.
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