Downsizing's King Losing His Crown

THE DAILY FED

Downsizing's King Losing His Crown

Since the Georgian Congressman has been taking the blame for the two government shutdowns last winter, few Republicans have stayed on the Gingrich bandwagon they rode into Washington two years ago. In 1995, 73 rookie Republican Congress Members owed their election to the leader of the Republican revolution. Now the revolutionaries have scattered, and Gingrich has seen his role take a 180-degree turn in this year's election.

Republicans have not retained a House majority for more than one term since 1928. Scared that history will repeat itself, Republicans have distanced themselves from 1994's champion of smaller government. Some Republicans have even tried to show voters that they disagree with Gingrich on certain issues.

If Republicans retain control of the House, political analysts say Gingrich will likely remain Speaker of the House because no other Republican carries his political weight. But if the Democrats take over, Gingrich has already said he will decline the post of Minority Leader.