Gingrich denies open marriage claim

Thursday night’s Republican presidential debate got heated in North Charleston, S.C.

Channel 2’s John Bachman was at the debate, where Former Georgia Congressman Newt Gingrich was in the hot seat over allegations he asked his second ex-wife for an open marriage. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, Marianne Gingrich said he lacks the moral character to be president.

”He was asking to have an open marriage, and I refused," she said.

When CNN reporter and debate moderator John King confronted Gingrich about the claim, he denied it and attacked King for even asking.

”I think the destructive, vicious, negative nature of much of the news media makes it harder to gove this country, harder to attract decent people to run for public office, and I am appalled that you would begin a presidential debate with a topic like that, Gingrich said.

He received a standing ovation, and then, the debate shifted to other issues, including health care and the economy.

South Carolina voters waited in line to see the four remaining Republican candidates for president go face to face for the last time before Saturday's primary. Recent polls show Gingrich and Rick Santorum gaining ground, but Romney remains the front runner.

”I just think he's a great family man, has great integrity, great business experience, really fine person," South Carolina voter Richard Coen told Bachman.