Gingrich calls for Pelosi's resignation

WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., should resign, one-time Republican House speaker Newt Gingrich says.

Gingrich, appearing Wednesday on ABC TV's "Good Morning America" show, said Pelosi isn't qualified to lead the House because she last week accused the Central Intelligence Agency of misleading her in 2002 on whether terrorism detainees were being subjected to harsh interrogation techniques that many equate with torture, including waterboarding.

"She really disqualified herself to be the speaker," Gingrich said. "She has a unique responsibility for national security. … She made this allegation that smears everyone who's trying to defend her."

He added, "What she said … was a stunning dishonest statement about a major American institution that has a key role in our survival. I think the Democrats should get a new speaker."

Pelosi's office told ABC that Gingrich's suggestion was "ludicrous," noting that no Democrats are calling for Pelosi to be ousted.