Newt Won't Run for President

After dipping his toes in the water ever so briefly, Newt Gingrich has decided not to run for president, CNN reports. Gingrich determined he could not legally explore a run while running his beloved political organization, American Solutions, his spokesman said. Two days ago, the former House speaker pledged to run if supporters could raise $30 million.

Gingrich, 64, has not held public office for nine years, but he remains an intellectual and influential force on the right. He makes a lucrative living as an author and political consultant. Gingrich has suggested in recent weeks that he would be the best GOP candidate to square off against the Democrats' likely winner, Hillary Rodham Clinton. (More Republican stories.)