March Protests Gop’s Contract

Jesse Jackson and about 300 supporters began a 30-mile march Sunday to protest House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the GOP “Contract With America.”

“Rebuild America,” Jackson sang to the crowd. “Keep hope alive” and “Boot Newt,” the crowd yelled back.

Gingrich, who was in nearby Powder Springs to dedicate a Habitat for Humanity house, had called Jackson’s three-day march “PR baloney.”

“I think if he spent three days building a home for Habitat for Humanity, he’d be a lot more productive,” the Republican said Sunday. “There are all sorts of places the Reverend Jackson and his demonstrators can be helpful if they would focus their energy on action and helping people.”

Jackson called Gingrich a hypocrite.

“Newt is taking pictures with Habitat for Humanity. Newt’s not a carpenter,” Jackson said. “He does not support an adequate budget … to build up affordable housing.”