Ironically, Democratic Party fails to provide Whorley with financial backing because of its deal with Republicans not to support candidates running on the pay raise issue. 1991-1992 House banking scandal. Newt has bounced checks, too, but he decides to push the issue hard to bring down the Democrats. Due to redistricting, Newt runs in a new congressional district and is nearly beaten in the primary by GOP challenger Herman Clark. Clark portrays Newt as an establishment congressman with bounced checks, limo, and other perks of power.
Controversy causes the course to be moved from a state college to a small private university.
He gathers over 300 Republican candidates on Capitol grounds for its signing in September. November 1994 Republicans gain 54 seats to take control of House for the first time since 1952. The first 100 days. Newt sets the national political agenda. House Ethics Committee clears Newt on most charges, reprimands Newt for Murdoch book deal and hires special counsel to investigate funding of Newt's college course.