Gingrich surges in US Republican race

Former speaker of the House rises in polls despite questions about past controversies.

Newt Gingrich

There is yet another twist in the US Republican primary battle to take on President Barack Obama in the presidential elections less than a year from now.

Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, is now surging in opinion polls among Republicans.

But he, too, has his fair share of controversies, with questions being raised over his past dealings as a paid consultant for Freddie Mac, the mortgage finance company.

Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane reports from Washington .

Source: Al Jazeera