Panel Probing Gingrich Issues Subpoenas

The House Ethics Committee has issued extensive subpoenas in the investigation of Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), seeking to learn who controlled and marketed his federally subsidized college course.

The subpoenas indicate that the committee’s outside counsel, James Cole, wants every detail about the course to determine whether it was a proper tax-exempt activity.

In addition to information on creation and marketing of the “Renewing American Civilization” course, the subpoenas seek information on how students were recruited and who graded the exams. They also demand information on Gingrich’s past use of tax-exempt organizations to transmit his political views.

Gingrich used two tax-exempt organizations to finance the college course. Donors sent their money to the foundations and were able to take deductions on their federal income taxes.

The Associated Press on Friday obtained copies of subpoenas sent to the Kennesaw State College Foundation in Kennesaw, Ga.; to Kennesaw State College and to Timothy Mescon, dean of Kennesaw’s business school.

Kennesaw was one of two Georgia schools where Gingrich taught the course in 1993-95. Another subpoena was sent to Reinhardt College.

Gingrich and his chief spokesman, Tony Blankley, received requests to provide documents, similar to subpoenas.

GOPAC, the Republican political action committee headed by Gingrich until last year, confirmed it received a request for information. The Progress and Freedom Foundation also was contacted by the committee.