Gingrich Says He’s In Race To Stay [VIDEO]

Republican Newt Gingrich says he’s in the presidential contest for the long haul, dismissing calls from rival Rick Santorum and others to drop out.

• NJ Decides: Presidential Election 2012
• GOP Campaign

Gingrich spoke to reporters Monday after addressing a Hispanic leadership event near Los Angeles. The former House speaker is spending most of the week in California attending fundraisers.

Gingrich says he’s been counted out in the presidential campaign several times before but that his candidacy has rallied back each time.

Gingrich won the South Carolina primary last month but hasn’t won a contest since. He placed fourth in Maine’s caucuses Saturday and third in a straw poll sponsored by the Conservative Political Action Committee.

Gingrich says he does best when he offers bold ideas and doesn’t focus on attacking his rivals.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)