It’s unknown who created the criteria and what it all entails, but the meeting has a large contingent of Bachmann supporters. The reason why this is important is because TheIowaRepublican.com was told that this group has been charged with making a recommendation to the FAMiLY Leader’s board before they decide on who they will endorse. When asked why his board of directors cannot make a decision on their own, Vander Plaats admitted that the board will seek the input of others, and added that, “Wisdom comes in a multitude of counsel.”
Since showering praise on Gingrich in an interview with the Des Moines Register following the forum, social conservatives leaders around the state have been grumbling about what they think is a likelihood that Vander Plaats may endorse Gingrich.
Yesterday, an anonymous letter from a group called Iowans for Christian Leaders in Government distributed an open letter that they had sent Vander Plaats warning him about the negative ramifications that endorsing Gingrich would bring. The letter stated that Vander Plaats’ endorsement “may be guided, not by prayer and conviction, but by personal benefit and prior relationships.”
Vander Plaats traveled the state in 2008 to advocate on behalf Gingrich’s American Solutions. Gingrich also provided financial support to Vander Plaats’ effort to defeat three Iowa Supreme Court justices last fall. Vander Plaats also received financial support from the American Family Association and worked with Wayne Hamilton, a key Perry aide. …………
While Vander Plaats and the FAMiLY Leader are still searching for clarity, there is one thing he was very clear about. The process is more difficult because their goal is not to just find a candidate who can beat President Obama next fall, but this candidate also needs to be able to beat Mitt Romney.
The only question for Vander Plaats and the FAMiLY Leader is, what kind of candidate will best accomplish that goal? A surefire conservative whose core convictions match theirs, or a candidate who already has momentum or has the connections that may pay dividends down the road?”
I can live with Newt—He aint perfect—he has warts—but He can do the job. I don’t see anyone else out there? Ron Paul? You surly jest. He would be the sort of president we need. He might even become great.
That is the wrong question.
The correct question is:
“Will the liberals and leftists be able to rekindle animosity among conservatives by constantly digging into Newt’s personal life after the liberals and leftists destroy every other good conservative candidate and pick not the weakest candidate but the one that looks strong but who has enough weaknesses that he or she can also be destroyed before the election?”
Gingrich is McCain with a trainload of baggage.
Both tug on the conservative strings, then slam the conservatives to the curb whenever possible.
Gingrich will probably do about as good in the 2012 General as McCain did in the 2008 General.
And, the MSM/Dems still have almost a whole year to rehabilitate/resurrect the Obama brand.
As for Gingrich and debates, yes, he is great in debates. No, he won’t slaughter Obama. Any good used car salesman, given some preparation time, can be a good debater. It is what would come AFTER the debates — holding office — where the concern lies with Gingrich. Will he be Gingrich-on-the-Couch-with Nancy? Or will he be Fold-and-Run-Gingrich who resigned his Speakership and basically walked out on his House seat? With Gingrich, you never really know what you got.