A Portent of This Weekends Events?
Captain Ed has an insightful, but depressing story about the races in Pennsylvania. I have a feeling this is an omen for what lies ahead at the State GOP Convention this weekend. It seems the races aren't polling well for the GOP in Pennsylvania and one of the big reasons are the party faithful.
When Rick Santorum only has a 67% support among Republicans, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. My feeling is that two things are driving this. One, general frustration among the base with anything status quo. Two, Santorum's support for Spector over Toomey. Below is the comment I left on the Captain's site...
Cut off nose. Spite face.
This is a sign that the base is so fed up they are rejecting anything that is part of the current GOP status quo. In large part I suspect this is Toomey backlash. We see the same in Minnesota with the group that supported Sullivan for Governor 4 years ago rather than Pawlenty.
When Santorum can't satisfy the conservative base, there's trouble ahead.
This all-or-nothing, I'm going to take my ball and go home attitude will accomplish two things. One it will lead to many more conservative candidates getting support of the party activists. Two it will lead to a lot of those candidates getting defeated and a Democrat majority.
While I still think the conservative movement is growing, what the hard-liners don't realize is that they alone can't carry the vote. However, they certainly can kill it. In a small degree, some talk radio hosts fuel this by over-inflating their perception.
I've talked with so many conservative activists that say they would rather have a Democrat win and "teach the GOP a lessson" than have a moderate Republican in. If anyone can explain how that makes one iota of sense, I'd like to hear it. I see it as a completely selfish exercise. It may make you feel better, but it will be damaging to U.S. policy.
This is no different than the Dems who are trying to force out an experienced senator like Lieberman or those who say Hillary is "too moderate".
When Rick Santorum only has a 67% support among Republicans, something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. My feeling is that two things are driving this. One, general frustration among the base with anything status quo. Two, Santorum's support for Spector over Toomey. Below is the comment I left on the Captain's site...
Cut off nose. Spite face.
This is a sign that the base is so fed up they are rejecting anything that is part of the current GOP status quo. In large part I suspect this is Toomey backlash. We see the same in Minnesota with the group that supported Sullivan for Governor 4 years ago rather than Pawlenty.
When Santorum can't satisfy the conservative base, there's trouble ahead.
This all-or-nothing, I'm going to take my ball and go home attitude will accomplish two things. One it will lead to many more conservative candidates getting support of the party activists. Two it will lead to a lot of those candidates getting defeated and a Democrat majority.
While I still think the conservative movement is growing, what the hard-liners don't realize is that they alone can't carry the vote. However, they certainly can kill it. In a small degree, some talk radio hosts fuel this by over-inflating their perception.
I've talked with so many conservative activists that say they would rather have a Democrat win and "teach the GOP a lessson" than have a moderate Republican in. If anyone can explain how that makes one iota of sense, I'd like to hear it. I see it as a completely selfish exercise. It may make you feel better, but it will be damaging to U.S. policy.
This is no different than the Dems who are trying to force out an experienced senator like Lieberman or those who say Hillary is "too moderate".
posted by Nordeaster | 6:28 AM
8 Comments:
EEKS. My hubby isnt voting for Pawlenty simply for the reason he feels Hennepin County got screwed without dinner in the stadium deal. And we dont even live in hennepin county.
ouch.
A lot of people feel that way. Pawlenty has done a fairly decent job considering both houses are split 50-50, but the cigarette "fee" and the stadium deals have turned a lot of small government conservatives off.
I'm still supporting the Governor because in total because his track record has a more positives than negatives, especially in his first 2 years when there was a 14 seat house majority with him.
I don't see any realistic alternatives. I know Sue Jeffers and like where she stands on quite a few issues, but I can't see her drumming up enough support (and cash) to have a realistic shot at winning.
That leaves Hatch (or whomever) from the DFL side. Not an option.
I understand those like your husband who want to stand on principle (there are many) but a non-vote or a 3rd party candidate vote is really just another vote for Hatch, and I just can't do that.
I know most of the conservatives who are "taking their ball home" do want to 'teach a lesson'. But MY take is different.
I do not believe in voting AGAINST something. That is the summary of the GOP strategy. Yes, our candidate is not perfect but vote against the possibility of Dem Majority/Governor.
Just like I was saying with the Anyone-but-Bush people...you only know what you are against and have no idea what then you are for.
AS AN EXAMPLE:
By "sucking it up" and voting for Pawlenty you are not voting for small government (as he has proven the past 2 years) but Democrat-lite aka smaller government than the Democrats. That is not a platform that conservatives should be supporting.
It is not "taking the ball and going home". It is expecting to find a baseball game and going home because all there is at the park is t-ball.
Vote for something. What are you voting for? Conservativism? Small government? Then Pawlenty may not be the best candidate...and you should consider that possibility through November instead of dismissing all other possibilities.
Hopefully this explains why it is not selfishness.
Tony,
I didn't notice your comments until today. I enjoyed our exchange on the link you posted in your comment directly above.
I encourage others to click the link read the exchange in the comments section.
I will say this. It is not just a vote against the opponent. It is voting for something. Is it a vote for small government? No. It is a vote for smaller government? Yes. (smaller than the opponent offers).
I will say this. It is not just a vote against the opponent. It is voting for something. Is it a vote for small government? No. It is a vote for smaller government? Yes. (smaller than the opponent offers).
Great work and thank you for your service
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See you tomorrow!
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