Newt Gingrich has no chance of catching Mitt Romney in the race for the Republican presidential nomination and his campaign is deeply in debt. But that hasn’t stopped the former House Speaker from carrying on his political travels, which are being aided by his Secret Service protection.

 

As a GOP presidential candidate, Gingrich is entitled to a Secret Service detail that can include six cars and six federal agents, as well as local law enforcement protection. In addition, Gingrich doesn’t have to pay for vehicle transportation, which includes gas, drivers and staff, while enjoying Secret Service help.

 

It’s unknown how much money the government is spending on Gingrich’s protection. Meanwhile, a taxpayer advocacy group has called for him to give up the Secret Service agents.

 

“As a former speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich should understand better than most how important it is to spend taxpayer dollars wisely,” said David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. “He needs to do what’s right for the taxpayer and say, ‘I’m done with Secret Service protection.’”

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Gingrich Urged to End Secret Service Detail at Taxpayer Expense (by Elicia Dover, ABC News)

Gingrich’s Secret Service Detail Likely Costing Taxpayers Tens of Thousands of Dollars a Day (by Alex Pappas and Jamie Weinstein, Daily Caller)