COEUR d'ALENE - If folks can't manage the $1,000 cover charge for the Newt Gingrich fundraiser on Thursday in Coeur d'Alene, they shouldn't lose hope of hearing the presidential hopeful's pitch.

In step with two of his other competitors for the Republican nomination, the former Speaker of the House will also connect with the common folk at a public rally from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn Conference Center, 506 West Appleway Ave.

"We wanted to do a public event that's free and open to everybody," said Adam Waldeck, a Gingrich campaign staffer. "He'll be happy to talk about his vision for the country and where he'd like to go, and answer questions that people have."

Gingrich is visiting with the North Idaho masses for the same reason presidential chasers Rick Santorum and Ron Paul did.

"You guys have a caucus coming up," Waldeck said with a chuckle, referring to the Idaho Republicans' first presidential caucus in early March.

Idaho will send 32 delegates to the Republican National Convention.

Gingrich will likely speak about energy policy and gas prices, Waldeck predicted.

The Republican has contrasted his own plan of maximizing energy production with President Obama's policies that Gingrich believes have stalled energy development, Waldeck said.

"Newt very much believes with a pro-American energy policy utilizing every form of American energy, we can get back to $2.50-gallon gas," he said. "I know gas prices being as high as they are, it's a major pocketbook issue for a lot of people in Idaho and across the country."

Gingrich, a retired Georgia congressman on his third marriage, will also discuss his proposed 21st Century Contract with America, Waldeck said, which includes repealing Obama's Affordable Care Act and job creation.

"It's mostly just his vision for getting the country back on track," Waldeck said.

Waldeck said he thinks Gingrich's ideas will resonate with Idaho residents, considering the state's traditional leanings and the candidate's reputation as a Reagan conservative.

"We're encouraging everyone, whether they've decided on a candidate or not, to come by and get a chance to meet with Newt and his wife, Callista," Waldeck said.