You should read page 92-95 of the Ethics Committee finding (where the bargaining on his guilt takes place)
I don't understand why you are attacking Pelosi. She wasn't in charge of the Committee that found Gingrich guilty of obstruction and lying, she was just one of many on the Committee. Gingrich admitted to guilt, and bargained everything down to one charge. The multiple charges were repeated violation of the same law that Gingrich admitted he did. They were
not "without merit" - they were merely dropped and everything placed under one charge - Gingrich's lawyer bargained that down. Gingrich ultimately being sanctioned was an overwhelming bi-partisan vote in the Republican-held House, his own party demanding his resignation.
Gingrich has been a pariah in the GOP ever since.
Quote:
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Eighty-four ethics charges were filed against Speaker Gingrich during his term, including claiming tax-exempt status for a college course run for political purposes. Following an investigation by the House Ethics Committee Gingrich was sanctioned US$300,000. Gingrich acknowledged in January 1997 that "In my name and over my signature, inaccurate, incomplete and unreliable statements were given to the committee". The House Ethics Committee concluded that inaccurate information supplied to investigators represented "intentional or ... reckless" disregard of House rules. Special Counsel James M. Cole concluded that Gingrich violated federal tax law and had lied to the ethics panel in an effort to force the committee to dismiss the complaint against him.
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