GOP debate: Candidates blast Gingrich over divorces

The Republican presidential candidates came down hard on frontrunner Newt Gingrich for his past marital infidelities on Saturday night, with Texas Gov. Rick Perry directly calling into question the former House speaker’s character.

“I’ve always been of the opinion that if you cheat on your wife you’ll cheat on your business partner, so I think that issue of fidelity is important,” Perry said. “It’s a characteristic of which people look at other individuals, whether it’s in their business lives, or in their personal lives, or picking someone to serve in public office for them.” 

{mosads}“I think that sends a very powerful message – if you will cheat on your wife, if you will cheat on your spouse, then why wouldn’t you cheat on your business partner, or why wouldn’t you cheat on anybody for that matter.”

Gingrich is on his third marriage and has admitted to past infidelities, but says those days are behind him and that he repented when he joined the Catholic Church.

Still, the candidates portrayed Gingrich’s past as mark against his temperament.

“I think character issues do count,” said Rick Santorum. “All of your record – personal as well as political is there for the public to look at…but certainly it’s a factor and it should be a factor. You’re electing a leader, you’re electing someone that trust is everything, and particularly in this election.”

Rep. Ron Paul also weighed in on what Gingrich’s past infidelity means about his character.

“I think character is obviously very important, but I don’t think you should have to talk about it, I think it’s something that should show through,” he said.

Mitt Romney passed on taking a direct swipe at Gingrich. Earlier this week his campaign released an ad touting his long relationship with his wife, which many interpreted as a veiled swipe at the former House speaker.

Gingrich had to stand by while each of the candidates talked about their stable home lives and faith before he had the opportunity to respond. 

“I think it is a real issue, I think that people have to look at the person to whom they will loan the presidency, and I think they have the right to ask every single question,” he said.

“In my case, I’ve said out front openly – I’ve made mistakes at times, I’ve had to go to God for forgiveness, I’ve had to seek reconciliation,” he said. “But I’m also a 68 year old grandfather, and people have to measure now whether I’m a person that they can trust.”

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