IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The biggest obstacle to a Newt Gingrich presidential bid might be Gingrich himself.

The twice-divorced former U.S. House speaker has admitted an affair with a former congressional aide who is now his third wife.

His career in Congress is remembered as much for his dramatic fall -- the federal government shutdown, his censure and the loss of Republican seats in the House -- as his rise. His polarizing style sometimes leaves would-be voters cold.

Unlike many candidates, Gingrich won't have to struggle to make a name for himself. People already know Newt Gingrich. What remains to be seen is whether that hurts or helps him.

The 67-year-old Gingrich is widely expected to take another step toward a run this week.

He and his wife, Callista, have scheduled a meeting Thursday with a key supporter -- Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal.