Posted on 10/19/2006 3:53:04 AM PDT by Aussie Dasher
The Republican Party can stave off defeat with a strong turnout on Nov. 7, party leaders are telling the faithful -- but they are finding it tough to sell that message to some disillusioned conservative voters.
"The message hasn't gotten across because a lot of people are sick and tired of thinking the only reason for going to the polls is to vote for the Republicans because they are lesser of two evils," said Tom McClusky, vice president for government affairs at the Family Research Council (FRC), a leading social conservative group.
"Conservatives aren't motivated to come out, is what I'm finding," said conservative campaign consultant Rick Shaftan, who is based in Sparta, N.J. "They see no reason to re-elect the people who are in office."
A top Republican pollster confidentially echoed those sentiments.
"There are very definitely trouble signs in many states of what we call the 'LRs' -- the lethargic Republicans," said the pollster, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity. "They are unhappy with the president and have little love lost for Congress."
There's little danger that such voters would switch to the Democrats, but "the real problem is that they won't vote at all," the pollster said.
With Election Day less than three weeks away, however, efforts to mobilize conservative voters are intensifying.
Top Republicans -- including President Bush, his chief strategist Karl Rove, Vice President Dick Cheney and Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman -- have been meeting with conservative activists, columnists and broadcasters, emphasizing the importance of this midterm election. That message has rippled out via newspapers, magazines, TV, radio and the Internet.
(Excerpt) Read more at washtimes.com ...
This can also be interpreted as yet another entry in the 'we're the smartest guys in the room' contest. That was what I used to like about the WTimes: they didn't play that stupid game. Sad to see them sliding into line with all the other self-inflated media bums.
Although I don't believe this is "exactly" the case, if they would have done something substantive on immigration and the borders, this election day would be a non issue.
I must not be a conservative because I am motivated to vote.
this is nuts, wishful thinking by the demorats who don't care to know real conservatives
"That was what I used to like about the WTimes: they didn't play that stupid game. Sad to see them sliding into line with all the other self-inflated media bums."
That's the reason I canceled my subscription.
Every yahoo who declares "I'm a true conservative" should not be mistaken for one who speaks for all conservatives.
Why doesn't this guy take into account conservative anger against the MSM or the Democrats dangerous behavior? Read yesterday that the Republican volunteer ground is surprisingly on fire and that's why Rove is so optimistic.
I'll trust Karl Rove and not the Wash Times which has really gone downhill since Bill Sammon has left
I'll be voting, but I won't be happy about it. The Republican who is challenging the incumbant RAT is an idiot.
ground=ground game
The Republican party does not define conservatism. The GOP is merely the right-wing of the muddled middle.
That's the conventional wisdom inside the beltway and no one there apparently can think for themselves.
So are you going to stay home and be a "true conservative" and let nancy pelosi become Speaker.
The MSM has no idea how much anger there is directed towards them.
I guess you prefer to be stabbed in the back by a republican, and not in the front by a democrat.
Wishful thinking on the part of the MSM.
We have every intention of voting, even if we have to crawl to the voting booth. The thought of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid in control should scare every Republican to get out and VOTE.
What kind of a name is Ralph Z. Hallow? Does he work with Seymour Butts?
They live in their own bubble.
And I think what's simmering beneath the surface is a very, very, pent up conservative constituency.
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