New London - The Republican challenger for the 39th District House seat has received several endorsements, including one from Newt Gingrich.

"I am very pleased you share my commitment to transforming government at every level to save America,'' the former U.S. Speaker of the House wrote in an Oct. 5 letter to Andrew Lockwood. "Policies you are supporting ... will also provide lower taxes, less government, and real job creation."

"Callista and I wish you all success, on Election Day and in the all the exciting days that will follow,'' Gingrich wrote, referring to his wife.

Lockwood, who is seeking to upset three-term incumbent Democrat Ernest Hewett also received endorsements from the Connecticut Citizens Defense League, a gun rights group, and the Family Institute of Connecticut, a nonprofit foundation that promotes Judeo-Christian ethical and moral values.