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IowaPolitics.com: Gingrich Says Renewed Terror Focus Boosts Lieberman
8/11/2006

By Chris Dorsey
IowaPolitics.com

DES MOINES -- If Connecticut's Democratic primary would have been held today instead of Tuesday, Sen. Joe Lieberman would have been victorious, former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said.

Gingrich, a Republican, made several stops through Iowa on Thursday and Friday and said many Iowans felt the same way after authorities in the United Kingdom foiled an alleged terrorist plot.

Lieberman's primary opponent, Ned Lamont, opposed the war, and criticized Lieberman for his continued support of it. Lieberman lost the primary election by nearly 10,000 votes.

"(Friday) morning in Cedar Rapids, people seem to feel the events Thursday validate the president's concerns," Gingrich said. "Lieberman would have beaten Lamont if the primary were held today."

This is Gingrich's second trip to the fair in as many years. He brought this son and 5-year-old grandson Friday to enjoy a pork chop on a stick, see the biggest boar and tour the midway rides. He is returning Saturday to speak with Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack about the importance of promoting and developing renewable fuels in the United States.

"We have to shift our reliance from the Persian Gulf to the American farmer," Gingrich said. "We need to invest in new sciences and new technology."

During his campaign stops, Gingrich praised Iowans' positive mindset.

"Iowa is different from other states," he said. "They have a positive energy."

Gingrich is one of many national politicians visiting the Iowa State Fair in the next two weeks. The former congressman and speaker of the house attended the fair Friday afternoon with his family.

Gingrich also campaigned for Iowa legislative candidates during his swing through the state. He attended a Jim Nussle event Thursday in Sioux City. Nussle is a Republican congressman running for governor. The former speaker also spoke at a luncheon Friday at noon for 3rd Congressional District candidate Jeff Lamberti, Iowa's Senate co-leader.


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