Election 101: Ten questions about Newt Gingrich as a presidential candidate

The former speaker is a masterful strategist with a brilliant political mind. But a rocky marital record and a penchant for flame-throwing may jeopardize his candidacy.

8. What is his family and religious background?

AP Photo/Gwinnett Daily Post/Jonathan Phillips
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich speaks during the GOP district convention at the Historic Courthouse, Saturday, April 16, 2011, in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Gingrich married Jackie Battley in 1962, with whom he had two daughters. In 1981 he divorced his first wife and wed Marianne Ginther. In 2000 he divorced her and married Callista Bisek, his current wife.

Formerly Baptist, Gingrich converted to Catholicism in 2009. He has since said he’s developed more appreciation for the role of religion in public life.

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