Gingrich plans visit to state

WASHINGTON – Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich will visit Washington state Saturday to raise money for two Republicans.

Gingrich will headline a private fundraiser in Bellevue for Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., Saturday night, and a luncheon event in Everett for businessman Doug Roulstone, the GOP nominee in the 2nd District.

Gingrich also will conduct a roundtable session in Bellevue for donors to the state GOP, said state party Chairwoman Diane Tebelius.

Gingrich is considered a possible presidential candidate in 2008, but Tebelius said his primary appeal, for now, is that “he’s an idea man. He has many thoughts on many subjects, and he thinks thoroughly through his responses. That brings a lot of cachet to some people.”

The event for Roulstone, who is challenging Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., will be at the Everett Events Center, while the Reichert event will be at a private residence. Reichert, a freshman from Auburn, is being challenged by Democrat Darcy Burner.

A spokeswoman for Reichert’s campaign said tickets for the Gingrich event are $1,000 per person. Tebelius said the roundtable also will be a fundraiser, but she declined to offer specifics. Roulstone’s campaign could not be reached for comment.

Gingrich was invited to the state by Reichert, whose chief of staff, Mike Shields, is a former Gingrich aide.