Last night Palin endorsed Gingrich in the South Carolina primary.

“If I had to vote in South Carolina, in order to keep this thing going I’d vote for Newt and I would want this to continue”

This afternoon, as a reward for that endorsement, in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer Gingrich promised to give Palin a presidential appointment.

CNN Press Room ...I was honored and delighted last night when she said if she were in South Carolina, she’d vote for Newt Gingrich.... ...I would ask her to consider taking a major role in the next administration if I’m president...



Clearly Gingrich is sending the message to all the other top-level GOP celebrities, that no matter how unqualified you are, that if you are willing to help him win the South Carolina primary, you too will be rewarded with a presidential appointment.

Johnny, tell our candidate what that promise earns him. Well, Newt for that clear violation of 18 U.S.C. § 599 you've earned yourself two years in jail (unless the violation was unintentional, in which case it's only a single year in jail).

TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 29 > § 599 § 599. Promise of appointment by candidate Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

Note that presence of the word "indirectly". I think promising Palin her Quid Pro Quo via Wolf Blitzer's TV show comes under the heading of an indirect promise.

