NATION IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Rep. Gingrich Faces New Ethics Charges

Rep. Bill Alexander (D-Ark.) filed new accusations of ethics violations against Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), the assistant House Republican leader. The new charges allege Gingrich violated House rules covering the use of campaign funds, the promotion of a private enterprise and financial disclosure requirements. Rich Galen, a Gingrich spokesman, called the new charges part of “a personal vendetta” by Alexander, who he said “obviously could not stand the thought of the House dismissing his previous charges.”