Conservative Draws a Hard Line [Phyllis Schlafly dings Rudy McRomney]

Concord Monitor ^ | 2/22/07 | WALTER ALARKON

[Antoninus]

Conservative author Phyllis Schlafly urged New Hampshire Republican activists to test the conservative bona fides of the 2008 presidential candidates, especially those of the three Republicans leading in polls.

"New Hampshire is the front line of the presidential race, and as I go about and talk to the conservative movement, they're in disarray," said Schlafly, who led opposition to the failed Equal Rights Amendment more than 25 years ago. "They don't know what to do, who to back. We're told by the media that we have a choice of one of three, (Sen. John) McCain or (former New York mayor Rudy) Giuliani or (former Massachusetts governor Mitt) Romney. Each one of them is capable of raising $100 million. I'm not happy of being told that at all. I don't think that any of the three are acceptable."

She spoke yesterday at Newick's Restaurant in Merrimack before about 50 people, including members of the Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers, the National Right to Life Committee and staffers of Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo's presidential campaign. She told them to ask hard questions of each candidate so that each would commit himself. But she made clear that she thought that McCain, Romney and Giuliani lacked credibility on issues important to her - immigration, gay marriage and abortion.

She disagreed with McCain's choice to co-sponsor legislation with Sen. Ted Kennedy that would give illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Instead, she supported building a fence and fortifying the border patrol on the country's southern border.

Romney didn't impress her when she saw him speak in Missouri.

"Mitt Romney's very handsome, very attractive, a wonderful speaker with a wonderful resume," but he didn't focus on conservative issues, she said. Instead, he focused on his turnaround of the 2002 Winter Olympics, she said.

As for Giuliani, Schlafly said his standing at the top of polls won't last. "The polls also say that people don't know that he's pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage and anti-gun," she said. "I think those polls will change when people find out."

McCain, Giuliani and Romney are the top three candidates in the latest poll of likely Republican primary voters by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

Schlafly, 82, visited New Hampshire to stump for issues she has long supported. Yesterday, she urged state legislators to fight the repeal of the parental-notification abortion law at a press conference in Concord. Schlafly, reviled by feminists for opposing the constitutional amendment calling for equal rights for both sexes, also spoke to a women's studies class at Southern New Hampshire University. Tuesday, she met with Rep. Duncan Hunter, a Republican candidate from California also visiting the state. Schlafly has backed iconoclastic candidates before, including Barry Goldwater, Steve Forbes and Ronald Reagan.

Her books include The Supremacists: The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It, Feminist Fantasies and A Choice, Not an Echo, which criticized the Republican Eastern establishment and was distributed by Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign. She is the founder of the Eagle Forum, a St. Louis-based conservative volunteer group, and has fought for a pro-life plank to be included in the national GOP platform since 1984.

Those who attended Schlafly's speech echoed her call to confront candidates and to make sure voters listen to everyone running, not just the poll leaders.

"If McCain proved nothing else (in 2000), he proved that everybody has a chance from going to 0 percent in the polls to winning the primary," said Charlie Arlinghaus, president of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy and a former state GOP chairman.

Several activists wore stickers for Tancredo, whom Schlafly lauded for opposing McCain's immigration bill.

"There are groups who will not vote for those three, because like Phyllis said, they don't line up with them on the right-to-life, gun control and immigration," said Shelly Uscinski, who is managing Tancredo's New Hampshire campaign and was handing out stickers yesterday.

Near the end of her speech, Schlafly tried to buck up Republicans dispirited by losses in the November congressional election. She likened the atmosphere today to when the press and some conservatives didn't believe her 1979 declaration that the Equal Rights Amendment was defeated.

"Conservatives didn't believe we could win anything at that time," she said, noting that the amendment hasn't been ratified. "We're kind of back to this defeatism again. We need to rebuild it."

[Antoninus]

Phyllis is still kicking butt at age 82. God bless her!

[Antoninus]

Those who attended Schlafly's speech echoed her call to confront candidates and to make sure voters listen to everyone running, not just the poll leaders.

Like this guy, for example...







"How can I help?"

Get informed: Duncan Hunter on the Issues

Sign up: Freepmail me to join the Duncan Hunter Pinglist

Or Freepmail seanmerc to join the Veterans for Hunter Pinglist

Put your money where your values are: Contribute to Duncan Hunter's Presidential Campaign

Help spread the word: Purchase "Hunter for President" items. Proceeds go to the Hunter campaign.

[Antoninus]

Ping...

[Antoninus]

Ping

[ConservativeDude]

"The polls also say that people don't know that he's pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage and anti-gun," she said.


Phyllis is awesome. I wish she'd run.

That said, she is not correct on this assertion. The polls actually show that GOP primary voters more than 40% do know Rudy's positions.

The problem is not with Rudy, per se, but with the GOP, and our failure of bringing up conservative leadership.

For the moment, I think Romney is the most conservative candidate who has a chance to win. That is not to say that he is sufficiently conservative, but he is certainly surrounding himself with people who are. People become policy.

I also think Romney WILL be the GOP nominee some day. It might not be this time, b/c to do so he has to convince people like Phyllis that he is serious. But in terms of the future, I think he's the only person out there who has the total package.

[BykrBayb]

I'm beginning to think "President Schlafly" has a nice ring to it. : )

I certainly agree with her assessment of the candidates. I'm tired of being told that I have to vote for a liberal in the primaries. Especially when we have some wonderful candidates out there that the media refuses to discuss.

I'd like to see a whole lot more about the candidates who qualify for our votes.

[Spiff]

Phyllis is still kicking butt at age 82. God bless her!

The Grand Dame of modern conservatism is still alive and well. Go Phyllis!!!

[Antoninus]

That said, she is not correct on this assertion. The polls actually show that GOP primary voters more than 40% do know Rudy's positions.

Huh? That means that more than 50% don't know it. In another poll, it said that of Rudy's potential primary supporters, 25% drop off immediately once they find out he's pro-abortion. One wonders what the numbers will look like when they find out he's pro-homo, pro-open-borders, and a gun-grabber to boot?

Rudy's campaign is a giant waste of time, energy, and money. And really at its heart, it's an attempt by liberals and the MSM to take over the GOP.

They will fail.

[BykrBayb]

Where does Duncan stand in the War on Terror?

What are his ideas on border security?

Where does he stand on pro-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia?

What is his record in fiscal issues?

[pissant]

She's had some silly criticisms of Bush at times, but on this I agree with her.

[ex-snook]

In the election version of the American idol, nonNeoconservatives won't kiss enough a$$ for PACs and special money interests to make the cut for the final pair. There is no difference in picking one from column R or column D.

When it becomes time for the important debates. It will be more Beavis and Butthead supported by the same providers. Sorry, without money Hunter won't get any more votes than Buchanan would in a GOP primary.

[TitansAFC]

---"That said, she is not correct on this assertion. The polls actually show that GOP primary voters more than 40% do know Rudy's positions."---

What it fails to point out is that a very large percentage of people supporting Rudy don't know his positions on these issues - the majority of voters who do are opposing him. We've seen this in many polls.

So 40% might know his positions (though I actually think it's much smaller, as MOST polls have shown), but most who DO know his positions OPPOSE him.

We cannot ignore the masses of polls showing OVERWHELMING numbers of GOP Primary voters who do not know where he stands in favor of one poll suggesting it might be as high as 40% who do know. Neither can we ignore the fact that at least two polls have shown a GUARANTEED drop-off of 20% of his current support when they find out, and strong hesitation of yet another near HALF of his support.

I think Phyllis is correct here. He's going to take a big hit when someone starts talking about him. Fortunately for Rudy, Romney is there to help him by attacking every other primary candidate in the race except for Rudy. Good job, Mitt! Hey, perhaps you should take down Hagel a notch, or John Cox.......

[msnimje]

Attila the Hun is unavailable for the 2008 election.

[Antoninus]

I certainly agree with her assessment of the candidates. I'm tired of being told that I have to vote for a liberal in the primaries. Especially when we have some wonderful candidates out there that the media refuses to discuss.

It's only the media and their proxies on FR that are telling you that. None of their arguments means a darn thing to me. I say, either give me a conservative or you can win without my money, support, and vote.

I don't vote for liberals, regardless of party.

[Antoninus]

Where does Duncan stand in the War on Terror? What are his ideas on border security? Where does he stand on pro-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia? What is his record in fiscal issues?

Have a looksee...

Duncan Hunter on the Issues

[msnimje]

Where does Duncan stand in the War on Terror?
What are his ideas on border security?
Where does he stand on pro-life issues such as abortion and euthanasia?
What is his record in fiscal issues?

Where have you been the past 10 years? He has been very vocal about and active on these issues.

[ASA Vet]

I think Romney is the most conservative candidate who has a chance to win.

Jim, Could you include Rino Mitt in your "How many FReepers actually believe this hogwash" post?

[pissant]

He's the best of the bunch on every issue, if you lean conservative.

[Antoninus]

Sorry, without money Hunter won't get any more votes than Buchanan would in a GOP primary.

Have you sent him any? I have. And will send more. But you're right. He needs money and an awful lot of folks will have to pitch in a C-note or better for him to have a shot.

In terms of his viability as a candidate, though, he's head and shoulders above Pat. He's a decorated Vietnam Vet, has actually held elective office, and has a solid track-record of conservative votes.

[Rudder]

I used to be fond of Schafly, but her recent support of creationism tells me she's become a bit of whack-job.

[ConservativeDude]

I'm always open to alternatives.

In your opinion, then, who is the most conservative candidate with a chance to win?

[BykrBayb]

I have some understanding about the answers to those questions, but I wanted to put them out there, so those with a more thorough knowledge could post the answers for all to see.

Details, details, details. Tell the lurkers what you know.

[Aquinasfan]

Schlafly, 82

She's a "good and faithful servant." Lord, we need more women like her!

[Antoninus]

She's a "good and faithful servant." Lord, we need more women like her!

Not to mention men.

[taxesareforever]

Where are the men with the gumption of Phyllis?

[ASA Vet]

Any conservative can win if we stop allowing the DemoncRATic Parties propaganda wing, (aka: MSM,) to tell us who we favor and support that conservative candidate with money and work.

[Antoninus]

Where are the men with the gumption of Phyllis?

See tag line.

[BykrBayb]

Well, it's kind of hard to find someone with her conservative values and moral compass, that rejects God.

[Antoninus]

Any conservative can win if we stop allowing the DemoncRATic Parties propaganda wing, (aka: MSM,) to tell us who we favor and support that conservative candidate with money and work.

Can I get an ...

AMEN!

[ASA Vet]

No it isn't there are lots of us.

[hosepipe]

Rudy McRomney... LoL.. That name has leggs.. OUCH!..

[longtermmemmory]

then he better meet with philys

[BykrBayb]

There are a whole lot more of us so-called "whack-jobs," than there are people with strong moral character that think all of God's followers are "whack-jobs."

[Antoninus]

Rudy McRomney... LoL.. That name has leggs.. OUCH!..

Guess I'd better trademark it then, eh?

[Antoninus]

There are a whole lot more of us so-called "whack-jobs," than there are people with strong moral character that think all of God's followers are "whack-jobs."

LOL. Watch out. The anti-Christian trolls are out in force on FR of late. And for many, the camoflage has been all but discarded.

[taxesareforever]

Great tag line. He is the one who I am hoping wins.

[pissant]

I already patented McRudney

[hosepipe]

[.. Guess I'd better trademark it then, eh? ..]

Better... give it away for free..
Use it like an invisible tux for "the King".. whom has no clothes...

[Plutarch]

"Mitt Romney's very handsome, very attractive, a wonderful speaker with a wonderful resume,"

Well, gee, Phyllis, all that would be helpful in a general election, wouldn't it?

[NeoCaveman]

I already patented McRudney

I've trademarked Romcainiani

[100-Fold_Return]

Yes, Mrs. Shlafly, not much choice, but conservative/Christians have let the MSM redefine America's core values while plopped down in front of their HD boob tubes... .

Forget how to win you get your [bleep] kicked across town.

[Antoninus]

Well, gee, Phyllis, all that would be helpful in a general election, wouldn't it?

Principles are occasionally helpful, too. ;-)

[Antoninus]

I've trademarked Romcainiani

Love it!

[Antoninus]

Better... give it away for free..

Yeah, you're right. Now if only some graphic-design-genius could create an amalgam photo of all three to go with it, along with a banner saying: "Rudy McRomney, Frontrunner, Media Party"

[ClaireSolt]

If they want to, defense contractors can fund Hunter. If they decline, then there must be a good reason.

[BykrBayb]

http://www.issues2002.org/CA/Duncan_Hunter_War_+_Peace.htm

Duncan Hunter on War & Peace
Republican Representative (CA-52)

Voted YES on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date.

Voted YES on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops.

Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq.

Voted NO on disallowing the invasion of Kosovo.

[BykrBayb]

http://www.issues2002.org/CA/Duncan_Hunter_Immigration.htm

Duncan Hunter on Immigration
Republican Representative (CA-52)

Voted YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project.

Voted YES on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment.

Voted NO on extending Immigrant Residency rules.

Voted NO on more immigrant visas for skilled workers.

Rated 100% by FAIR, indicating a voting record restricting immigration.

[BykrBayb]

http://www.issues2002.org/CA/Duncan_Hunter_Health_Care.htm

Duncan Hunter on Health Care
Republican Representative (CA-52)

Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide.

-------

http://www.issues2002.org/CA/Duncan_Hunter_Abortion.htm

Duncan Hunter on Abortion
Republican Representative (CA-52)

Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research.

Voted YES on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions.

Voted YES on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime.

Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life.

Voted YES on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research.

Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info.

Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad.

Voted YES on federal crime to harm fetus while committing other crimes.

Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions.

Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion.

Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record.

[ConservativeDude]

OK.

I'll wait around to see which conservative candidate that is. When one starts to show some traction on the fundraising, grassroots and endorsment fronts, then I'll pay attention.