Gingrich says Palin could be running mate

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich said he would consider former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as a potential running mate.

Gingrich also said Palin, the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee, would be an ideal candidate for energy secretary, The Hill reported.

During a conference call Wednesday with conservative voters held by Ralph Reed's Faith and Freedom Coalition, Gingrich was asked if he would consider Palin as a running mate.

"She is certainly one of the people you would look at. I am a great admirer of hers and she was a remarkable reform governor of Alaska, she's somebody who I think brings a great deal to the possibility of helping in government and that would be one of the possibilities," Gingrich said.