Gingrich says he never lobbied, didn’t need money

BLUFFTON, S.C. (AP) — Republican presidential contender Newt Gingrich says he never lobbied — mainly because he didn’t need the money.

The former House speaker on Tuesday told supporters in South Carolina that he was making $60,000 a speech and didn’t to earn income from lobbying. He says he worked to advocate for causes he supports, such as digital medical records.

Gingrich has faced questions about the vast network of consulting firms, advocacy organizations and for-profit think tanks he established since leaving Congress in 1999. He is adamant he never lobbied and never worked for causes he didn’t support before cashing paychecks.

During a town hall-style meeting with supporters, he joked he was now giving more speeches for free than ever.