RETAINER

Newt Releases Freddie Mac Contract

Two hours before Florida debate.

Where are the other years? Newt Gingrich’s campaign arranged the release of the contract he held with Freddie Mac in 2006 amid attacks by Republican rival Mitt Romney that Gingrich engaged in lobbying. Gingrich was paid a monthly retainer of $25,000 for “consulting and related services,” according to the contract, totaling $300,000. Romney has mocked Gingrich in the days since the South Carolina primary for his involvement with the mortgage giant, work the former speaker has said was similar to that of a historian. The contract was released by former Gingrich consulting firm the Center for Health Transformation, and covers only a fraction of his career there—he reportedly held contracts with Freddie Mac from 1999 through 2008.