Fox Suspends Gingrich, Santorum Until Presidential Decisions

Fox News is doing its best to maintain impartiality in the 2012 Republican presidential campaign. So anchor Bret Baier announced Wednesday that the network has suspended contributors Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, effective immediately, until they decide whether they will throw their hats into the presidential ring, Politico reports.

Rick Santorum

The suspensions will be lifted May 1 if the two notify the network that they aren’t running. If they don’t announce one way or the other by then, their contracts will be terminated, Baier said.

Both Santorum, an ex-Pennsylvania senator, and former House Speaker Gingrich are expected to run.

Baier said today’s announcement “does not preclude other announcements that may be made in the future” about other Fox commentators who could run for president.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee hosts the weekend show “Huckabee” on Fox, and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is a Fox contributor. Former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton appears frequently on Fox to discuss foreign policy.