Gingrich surge like Reagan’s

You just don't see Paul Laxalt's name in the news anymore. But every once in a while the living legend from Nevada crops up.

Here's an analysis of the Newt Gringrich surge that suggests his rise against Mitt Romney bears resemblance to the Ford/Reagan primaries in 1976.

It includes a brief reference to Laxalt, who was a good friend of Reagan's.

After losing the first five primaries, the GOP sent Ronald Reagan a telegram telling him to give up the race. Reagan turned to Laxalt and told him to tell those who signed the telegram that they "could go (do something to) themselves."

Sounds like Reagan. But I bet Laxalt was a bit more diplomatic than that.