In an explosive interview, according to The Hill newspaper, Newt Gingrich’s second wife, Marianne Gingrich, says the former House Speaker wanted an “open marriage,” but that she refused, according to an exclusive interview by ABC News (see video above).

Her revelation comes as Gingrich is closing in on front-runner Mitt Romney in the South Carolina Republican primary, with Texas Governor Rick Perry bowing out of the race. While experts say Gingrich had a chance to pick up some conservative support and make a showing in the Southern state, the interview with his ex-wife could damage his campaign, especially with conservative evangelical voters.

Gingrich was apparently carrying on a sexual affair at the time with congressional aide Callista Gingrich, who became his third wife. It is hard to see conservative Southern Christians supporting a candidate for president with such low moral standards, but then, they seemed to forgive George W. Bush and other Republicans in the past. Stay tuned.

© 2012, Glynn Wilson. All rights reserved.