Nichols is a Kansas City real-estate developer who gave $80,000 to GOPAC while asking for Gingrich's help in finding a way around federal asbestos regulations. Here is a sample of the kind of letter Nichols got from Gingrich:

"Your continued support of GOPAC is very important to me! I want you to know how very much I appreciate your generous contribution! ... Regarding the problematic asbestos regulations--please send me a copy of your research when you are finished and I will look into it."

According to a 1995 story in the Los Angeles Times, Gingrich acted on Nichols' complaint by writing to William K. Reilly, then-administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency: "I am writing you with concern over the crisis that is arising in our courts from asbestos regulation. ... I would appreciate any help you could lend to this matter." A copy of this letter went to Nichols.