Gingrich on Tony Blankley: "an intellectual force"

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, along with his wife Callista, released a letter today praising Tony Blankley as “an intellectual force that brought people together” in advance of an upcoming reception in Tony’s honor. Tony served as the Steamboat Institute’s conference moderator for the first three Freedom Conferences and was a constant source of aid and support before he passed away in 2012. The Steamboat Institute would not be what it is today without Tony Blankley. Tony served as the press secretary for Mr. Gingrich when he became Speaker in 1994. Reflecting on Tony’s service, Speaker and Mrs. Gingrich remembered him with the highest regard:

“Tony had an illustrious career. As many of you know, he was our press secretary when the Republicans won the majority in 1994. In the Speaker’s office and throughout his career, Tony was a true public servant, a master communicator, and an intellectual force that brought people together.”

Their full letter is included at the bottom of this article. In his memory, the Steamboat Institute created the Tony Blankley Chair for Public Policy and American Exceptionalism, a program that recognizes young journalists who carry on Tony’s legacy with their grasp of public policy, the proper role of government, and the concept of American Exceptionalism. A reception to honor Tony, as well as the 2015 Blankley Fellow, Jillian Melchior, and 2015 Blankley Senior Fellow, Tom Rogan, will take place in Washington, DC on October 28. Speaker and Mrs. Gingrich are honorary co-chairs for the event. Spots are still available for the reception, as well as a private dinner to be held afterwards.

RSVP for the reception here.

Read the full letter from Speaker and Mrs. Gingrich (click on the image for a larger PDF version):