Former Republican Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich continues to be a driving force in the GOP. Considering the party's self-portrayal as the party of "family values," we were surprised to get a press release on Friday that said Gingrich was set to honor a porn company president as "Entrepreneur of the Year."

Pink Visual President Allison Vivas was equally surprised. "I'm honored, and more than a little surprised, to receive this prestigious award," Vivas said. "It never occurred to me that Newt Gingrich, one of the principal architects of the conservative 'Contract with America' in the 1990s, would be willing to brave criticism from the far right of his party in order to recognize good work done on the part of an adult entertainment professional."

Alas, as one of Allison's movies might be titled, all good things must come to an end. Gingrich has rescinded the award, and the invite. Find out why, and whether Gingrich's excuse holds any water.

A spokesman for Gingrich's American Solutions PAC told the Washington City Paper that it was all some kind of mix-up. "We have notified Allison Vivas that the notice she received was sent by mistake," he said. "We regret the error."

Despite officials' attempts to play it off as some clerical foul-up, the letter that Vivas received not only brags about the exclusivity and privacy of this event, it also included a handwritten note that said, "Newt is looking forward to finally meeting you face-to-face ... " Yeah, for starters!

So, it looks like the other award recipients will be denied the company of the woman who brought you "Attack of the CFNM," and will continue to wonder, as we do, exactly what CFNM stands for.

From the Web:
If Everyone Had Their Own Magazine. (Maxim)

Bizarre Mug Shots (The Chive)