Poll Gives Snapshot Of Views On Gingrich Only One Willing To Pay $1,000 For A Photo With The Speaker

A Nampa newspaper’s survey indicates Canyon County residents aren’t much interested in paying $1,000 to have their picture taken with House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Gingrich plans a fund-raising appearance in Boise Jan. 10 with Idaho Congressman Helen Chenoweth.

It’s a $100 per plate affair and anyone willing to pay $1,000 can get their picture taken with the House speaker.

The Idaho Press-Tribune surveyed more than one dozen readers and found only one willing to pay.

“I’d pay it … if I had it, or a couple of thousand if I had it,” said John Thomas of Nampa.

Nampa’s Marjorie Windsor said, “Gingrich would have to pay me a million bucks to come within a block of him - that’s what I think of him.”

Bob Fuller of Nampa said he wouldn’t pay anything.

“The right party, the wrong man,” he said.

Herb Mason of Caldwell said that kind of money should be used for the needy instead of for politicians.

“It’s darn foolish. If they’ve got the money to donate, why don’t they take that list of kids who need winter coats and use it for that?” he said.