Updated


DES MOINES, Iowa -- Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich says he's considering running for president in 2012 and expects to make a decision by early next year.

In an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Gingrich predicted a Republican would defeat Democratic President Barack Obama in 2012. He called Obama a "disaster" who would go down as the worst president in modern times.

Gingrich said he'll focus on the midterm elections this fall, then decide whether to seek the Republican nomination by next February or March.

Gingrich was in Des Moines for a fundraiser and workshop for local Republican candidates.

Gingrich said he briefly considered seeking the 2008 Republican nomination but would take a more serious look at a presidential campaign this time.