LET NEWT GINGRICH DO HIS JOB

"Let me say to the entire House that two years ago, when I became the first Republican speaker in 40 years, to the degree I was too brash, too self-confident or too pushy, I apologize." -- Newt Gingrich.

With those words, the newly re-elected speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives set the tone for the potential of moving ahead with matters of import without dwelling in the morass of partisan bickering.

For many Americans, the speaker's contrite words won't be enough to calm the storm over his admitted ethics violation. For others, the relatively minor infraction isn't enough to detract from the vision and purpose Gingrich instilled in the Republican-controlled House beginning in 1994.

The fact is that a majority of House members chose Gingrich to continue in his leadership role. He has much to offer to the House and to the nation. He will take his lumps for the ethics violation. But now that the decision has been made by his peers, it is time to move on with the important legislative affairs of this nation.