GOP Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has been a supporter of subsidies for corn-based ethanol for years. That has boosted his income as a lobbyist and bolstered his support in corn-growing Iowa, one of the earliest tests in the race. But it may also disprove his claims that he is not a lobbyist, and hurt him politically in other states as many GOP candidates have disavowed ethanol subsidies.
"For decades, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has made clear his feelings about ethanol.
While speaker of the House in the 1990s, he blocked what was supposed to be the end of a then-$600 million-a-year tax incentive for ethanol blends. A decade later he was a paid consultant for a key biofuels group as it was just getting started and learning to navigate the Washington, D.C., lobbying scene.
Gingrich frequently endorses ethanol in speeches, and earlier this year he appeared in the pro-ethanol documentary 'Freedom.'
'He has certainly understood the potential for biofuels,' said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association."
Amanda Peterka reports for E&E Daily November 30, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Gingrich Received Over $300K for Work for an Ethanol Lobbying Group" (National Review)
"WSJ Blasts Gingrich on Ethanol" (Politico 1/31/11)
"Gingrich Tops Corn Growers' Survey on Ethanol, Agriculture Issues" (E&E Daily/Subscription Only)
"GOP Candidates Come Out Against Ethanol Subsidies In Iowa" (ClimateWire 11/3/11 -- Subscription Only)
"Iowa Corn Growers give Gingrich an 'A'" (Quad City Times)
"Afternoon Fix: Newt Gingrich Took Money From Ethanol Lobby" (Washington Post)
"Was Gingrich A Lobbyist? He Sure Comes Off That Way." (Right Turn/Washington Post)
"Gingrich's Inside Track with Iowa Evangelicals" (National Journal)
"Newt's Finest Lobbyist Denials" (Atlantic Wire)
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