Explanation number one: the wife, Callista. This explanation holds that Newt's wife of some eleven years was allowed too much influence in how the campaign would be run, influence with which the staffers did not agree.
Explanation number two: many of the ex-staffers were former aides to Texas Governor Rick Perry who has, at this late date, begun making noises about entering the race. This view holds that they quit in order to be available to join the Perry campaign, where their first loyalties lie.
