Gingrich Says He Will Not Serve Longer Than 8 Years as Speaker

House Speaker-to-be Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) will serve no longer than eight years in the post under an agreement reached by Republican leaders Wednesday.

Gingrich himself suggested the eight-year limit, which was expected to be ratified by House Republicans on Friday, an observer who asked not to be identified said.

As part of sweeping reforms, House Republicans are setting limits on the length of time members can serve as committee chairmen, and also on terms of service for members of the House and Senate.

Republicans have chosen Gingrich as their nominee for House Speaker and he will be formally elected when the first Republican-majority House in 40 years convenes Jan. 4. In order for Gingrich to serve eight years, Republicans would have to keep their hold on the House for three more elections.

Gingrich was said to have told his fellow Republicans that he had no problem with an eight-year limit, noting that presidents also were limited to eight years in office.

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