In his remarks to the same audience, Newt Gingrich said he'd like to to see John Bolton as his secretary of State. Bolton was U.N. ambassador for George W. Bush.
According to U.S. law, a candidate cannot "directly or indirectly" promise or pledge an appointment. If a candidate violates this, they can be fined or imprisoned.
This is what Title 18, Part I, Chapter 29, Section 599 of the U.S. Code says:
Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/12/mitt-romney-cabinet-appointments-/1
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