The two children of Nancy and Ronald Reagan were always lost in a make believe world of Progressive fantasy. To this day, neither Patti nor Ron support their father’s legacy. But the children Ronald brought from his previous marriage to Jane Wyman, Maureen (died 2001) and Michael always stood with their dad (and Nancy).

Michael Reagan is an effective conservative spokesman in his own right. But his endorsement of Speaker Gingrich takes on more importance since Gingrich takes credit for working with Reagan during his very consequential presidency to which Republican insiders responded with ridicule and outrage. Here is Reagan’s endorsement statement released January 20:

“I am endorsing Newt Gingrich for President and here’s why:

“Newt understands that we must reject and fundamentally change the course that Barack Obama has set for America. Newt is our only chance in 2012 to contrast a Reagan conservative with Obama’s European’ styled socialism.

“Newt exemplifies the conservative principles my father championed. Strong national defense, lower taxes and smaller government.

“In the 90’s Newt’s leadership brought us the Contract with America which changed Washington. I’m confident Newt can do it again. We cannot afford a candidate backed by the same Washington insiders who repeatedly tried to undermine my father and the Reagan revolution.

“It’s time to choose. Do we go forward with bold ideas or continue with failed policies? So I ask my fellow Republicans and conservatives to join me in supporting Newt Gingrich for president.”

Update: Michael Reagan responded sharply, through Newsmax, to the false charges from the anti-Gingrich (Romney) establishment machine that Gingrich was critical, not supportive, of President Reagan and his program.

“I am deeply disturbed that supporters of Mitt Romney are claiming that Newt Gingrich is not a true Reaganite and are even claiming that Newt was a strong critic of my father.

“Recently I endorsed Newt Gingrich for president because I believe that Newt is the only Republican candidate who has both consistently backed the conservative policies that my father championed and the only Republican that will continue to implement his vision.

“It surprises me that Mitt Romney and his supporters would raise this issue — when Mitt by his own admission voted for Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale who opposed my father, and later supported liberal Democrat Paul Tsongas for president.

“As governor of Massachusetts, Romney’s achievement was the most socialistic healthcare plan in the nation up until that time.

“Say what you want about Newt Gingrich but when he was Speaker of the House he surrounded himself with Reagan conservatives and implemented a Ronald Reagan program of low taxes and restrained federal spending.

“Newt’s conservative program created a huge economic boom and balanced the budget for the first time in more than a generation.” 

“I would take Newt Gingrich’s record any day over Mitt Romney’s.”

NEWSMAX added:
And Nancy Reagan, Reagan’s wife, has stressed Gingrich’s close relationship with her late husband.

In a 1995 speech at a dinner honoring Ronald Reagan, Nancy said: “The dramatic movement of 1995 is an outgrowth of a much earlier crusade that goes back half a century. Barry Goldwater handed the torch to Ronnie, and in turn Ronnie turned that torch over to Newt and the Republican members of Congress to keep that dream alive.”

You can join Newt in the fight for America with your contribution here.