The Hill News

The co-author of the GOP's "Contract with America" endorsed the House Republicans' new agenda document on Thursday. 

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) said that the "Pledge with America" released Thursday morning offers voters a clear choice between Republicans and Democrats just like his 1994 "Contract" did.

"Like with the Contract with America in 1994, a new generation of reform Republicans is offering the American people a clear choice about America's future," he said in a statement. "Reconnecting Congress to the Constitution and based on listening to citizens in every part of the country -- especially the 2010 Contract FROM America -- the reform Republicans offer a choice between the job killing, big government, high tax agenda of the Democratic Party and a Republican Party agenda to reverse out-of-control spending, restore fiscal accountability leading to a balanced budget, create confidence in the private sector to spur new job creation, and strengthen the family."

Even though the "Pledge" -- a 21-page governing document that outlines how the GOP will act in policy areas such as the economy and healthcare -- was written by House Republicans, other party members have rallied around the document. 

Senate Republicans and Republicans Governors Association head Gov. Haley Barbour (Miss.) also praised the agenda. 

Gingrich's "Contract" helped propel Republicans to victory in 1994, allowing them to take the majority in the House for the first time in a generation. Republicans, who lost control of the House in 2006, are looking to replicate that effort in the November midterms.

The former speaker and potential 2012 presidential candidate has remained involved with the new ba! tch of House GOP leaders. Minority Whip Eric Cantor (Va.) this week called him a trusted "adviser" and an important policy voice to members of the conference.