Gingrich Stops Assistance to PACs Trying to Scam off West’s Name

Former presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has stopped renting his list of supporters to PACs using the name of Rep. Allen West, R-Fla., to solicit donations but then refraining from giving him any of the proceeds.

Several PACs have been created recently seeking to exploit the popularity of conservative Republicans. As in the case of West, the PACs use the names of prominent candidates to bring in contributions. But the PACs give little if any of the money to these candidates.

Gingrich has stopped renting his list to BAMPAC and Conservative Strike Force, his spokesman R.C. Hammond told Politico. West aides have cited those groups for repeated unauthorized use of the congressman’s name and likeness in fundraising requests.

“Newt 2012 stopped renting to them because they were not actually helping Allen West,” Hammond said.

BAMPAC has given money to Gingrich, but West aides think it’s just a small amount being used as a cover to allow the group to keep raking in the cash.

BAMPAC head Alvin Williams told Politico his group has stopped using West’s name. But just last week, it blasted an e-mail to a list from strategist Dick Morris’s that featured West’s picture and used his name 10 times.

The feisty Florida freshman may not need any help. A poll released last week by St.PetePolls.org found him leading Democratic opponent Patrick Murphy 52.6 percent to 40.6 percent.