Newt Gingrich

Re “House Approves Punishment of Gingrich, 395-28,” Jan 22:

It is inconceivable that an elected representative formally reprimanded by his peers and fined $300,000 remains in office, let alone speaker of the House and third in line for the presidency. It is even more surprising when one reviews several of the additional charges now facing him.

My representative in the House will have one less vote if his election comes up and Newt Gingrich is still speaker. The voters of Gingrich’s state would do well to reevaluate his ability to represent them. To make it even more ludicrous, Gingrich is now determining whether or not he can pay the fine with campaign contributions rather than use his own money.

I am an embarrassed registered Republican voter.

DAVID T. AUTEN

La Canada

* Special Counsel James Cole’s denunciation of Gingrich may not have had anything to do with the facts of the case, but what a great career move it was for him.

EDWARD LINN

San Diego

* When these powerful men come together to decide the fate of our sick and elderly, welfare recipients, immigrants and unwed mothers, what baggage do they bring to the House floor? Patronage, corruption, influence bought and paid for by the wealthy and powerful. How can the American people stand by and watch this travesty of the values we hold?

Gingrich wants us to believe he innocently lied to Congress. The simple fact is that he lied. He said he innocently used GOPAC money to fund his “college course.” The course was blatant political rhetoric. When we are children, if we lie, we get our mouth washed out with soap. Let’s at least figuratively wash Newt’s mouth out.

A fine of $300,000 and a reprimand will not restore the faith of the American people in legislative impartiality. It is a slap on the wrist at the highest level.

ELIZABETH PENN SAUNDERS

Alta Loma

* Gingrich has many political enemies. They want to silence him. I admire his courage.

Newt’s political opponents cannot abide his refreshing ideas on job creation, drug policies, focus on racism, education and a simplified tax code. The speaker’s political opponents offer outdated increased government intervention. This has outlived its 1930s agenda. Newt’s opponents do not speak for me.

GENE K. WYNE