Newt Scales Back Campaign Operation

The cuts have begun and the travel schedule has been re-worked. Newt Gingrich is struggling to hang in the Republican primary contest long enough to be able to head to the convention prepared for battle, should Mitt Romney not have wrapped the whole thing up by then.

Gingrich spokesman Joe DeSantis said about 12 campaign staffers will lose their jobs, and former Campaign Manager Michael Krull has been replaced by Vince Haley, the deputy campaign manager.

The pretense is that Newt has big ideas and they deserve to be heard. Plus, there is the thought that a long primary strengthens the eventual winner.

“We’re of the belief that an interesting and competitive primary will be hugely beneficial to the Republican Party,’’ DeSantis said.

With only 135 delegates at this point in the race, it is impossible for Gingrich to secure the nomination and he knows it. This is Newt being Newt. He doesn't end battles well and he is bitter about Romney's success to date. He has earned a slot at the convention to speak.

Gingrich should exit the race with whatever dignity he has left in tact.