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The Evangelical Vote [behind the curtain - leadership vote held in Texas]
Red State ^ | January 16, 2012 | Erick Erickson

Posted on 01/16/2012 3:07:50 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife

I had the privilege to attend the meeting of evangelicals in Texas this weekend. Due to pressing matters before me Saturday I could not make the Saturday portion, but was there Friday hearing the advocacy for the candidates, the run down, etc. I did not vote.

As with all meetings of Christian conservatives, we all pledge to have an off the record meeting and a handful of the sinners start leaking like sieves. It is aggravating and typically why I never say a word in these meetings.

Since a few have decided to leak so many details from the meeting as background and anonymous sources, I want to clarify a few things from my perspective and I will do it decidedly on the record.

The first thing you need to know is that taking shots at Tony Perkins for his statements this weekend is both ignorant and wrong. Tony was selected to speak for the group as a whole and he has done a tremendous job reflecting the views of the consensus whether they are his or not. He didn’t really volunteer as much as he was chosen (I cannot have been the only Presbyterian there) and he has done his job ably.

The second thing you should note is that I personally view the state of the Christian conservative movement poorly. It is such an honor and privilege to be in the same room with James Dobson. Truth be told, I’ve been in the room with him several times and have yet to work up the courage to meet a man who has meant so much to my wife and me. Hopefully I’ll work up the courage one of these days.

But Dobson and the other men and women in the room exemplify my problem with the state of the Christian conservative movement — it is getting really old and I do not yet see authentic, strong voices rising up to succeed these pioneers. I take it as a good sign that these men picked Tony Perkins as their spokesman. In the generation that bridges the gap, Perkins is one of the few honest brokers and genuinely authentic good guys in the evangelical community and conservative movement as a whole.

A great deal of the passionate, younger voices of the Christian conservative movement are focused on Christ and not politics. While that’s a far better position to focus on, I fear the Christian conservative movement is going to be handed down to a few good young men and women surrounded by others with less sincere intentions — people who advocate people and positions in furtherance of things other than Christ’s Kingdom. The up and comers will have to rely on men like Tony Perkins to avoid irrelevance and charlatans both.

The third thing you should know about this weekend is just how well the Gingrich and Santorum camps handled themselves and how poorly the Perry and Romney camps handled themselves. I won’t even get into the advocacy on behalf of Ron Paul, which didn’t go well.

There was a decidedly sympathetic view toward Rick Santorum going into the meeting. He has been one of the leading advocates for socially conservative views. They like him on that. I was, frankly, stunned that even when some of the people chosen to speak objectively about the field pointed out that this will be an election about economics, the crowd really was focused on social concerns.

I won’t go into quotes from the men who advocated for the various candidates. Even on the record here, I want to respect the organizers’ wishes more than others have on background, but both Santorum’s advocate and Gingrich’s advocate (each candidate had someone to speak for them) did those men a great service. The Santorum pitch was largely focused on what he had done for the movement, including for the babies. The Gingrich pitch really reflected what Jonah Golberg wrote recently in his column about Newt. If you think the end of the world is nigh, you want the Churchill, not the technocrat.

Rick Perry had a lot of supporters in the crowd, but too few who thought he could win and many who want him to get out and endorse Gingrich or possibly Santorum before South Carolina votes. His advocate, a friend, was not as well prepared as the others, but many in the crowd did speak up for him.

The Romney advocacy did more harm than good and I think the biggest story to come out of this event has to be both the hostility between evangelicals and Team Romney and the absolute endorsement for “Not Romney.”

If you are reading this from the media, I think the story you should tell is that Mitt Romney will probably become the nominee of the Republican Party with even less good feelings between evangelicals and him than John McCain had.

The problem for Team Romney is that the distrust of Romney is overwhelmingly about his record and shiftiness, but the Romney campaign fundamentally believes it is about his religion. When Team Romney concluded the pitch (read from an iPad seemingly without a passionate delivery) with an admonishment to not be an anti-Mormon bigot, it was game over. Several of the attendees felt like the Romney campaign was almost implying that they’d win without evangelicals and would expect everyone to line up when it was over even without Romney reaching out.

Note to Team Romney: when you are in a room full of Christian leaders like those who were in that room and who have all long been attacked by the left as bigots, it is unwise — no, it is damn foolish — to accuse them of being anti-Mormon bigots, something too many Romney supporters have descended to as the only possible explanation for daring to not get on board with Romney.

It’s interesting that the outreach concerns are so universal. Inside the conservative blogosphere, among social conservatives, and among specifically the evangelical community there is a great deal of concern that, unlike John McCain, once the Romney camp has it in the bag they’ll go off to woo independents and leave smoldering or un-repaired bridges back to the base.

As to the vote itself, there was a consensus, but not as strong as the reported vote would have you believe. According to several I talked to who were still there for the vote, it was divided with many thinking Gingrich is the only one who can win and many not sure they want to hitch a wagon to the Gingrich train. On this, there is no difference inside and outside the evangelical community.

What gets me is that given Rick Santorum’s polling in South Carolina, his funding and campaign apparatus, the admonition from one influential person that Santorum doesn’t have the campaign to run for President, etc. separate reports suggest a number of people present decided to vote for Santorum not to beat Romney, but to be Romney’s running mate — something that most likely will not happen.

At this point, a vote for Santorum really does help Mitt Romney, but few are willing to acknowledge that. When given the chance to beat Romney, I was kind of shocked by the people who were already reconciled to his win, though that was not the majority view. Most want to fight till the end, fight to the convention, broker a convention, or do anything else to stop Romney. But by voting for Santorum, the group largely undercut more serious efforts waged by Gingrich to stop Romney and, even more troubling if Romney is the nominee and loses, potentially sets up a claim by Rick Santorum, a man who will have been out of office a decade by then, to be the 2016 front runner.

In a year when we could possibly see Bobby Jindal, John Kasich, Rick Scott, Scott Walker, Marco Rubio, and others, the evangelical movement might have just sown the first seeds of division for 2016 — seeds that, like in 2008 and 2012, prevented evangelicals from getting one of their own the nomination.

That brings up a problem with the evangelical movement within the political sphere — it is often poorly advised on strategy and cuts short term deals that undermine long term goals. But that’s a topic for another day.


TOPICS: Conspiracy; Government; Military/Veterans; Politics; Religion
KEYWORDS: gopprimary; lds; romney2012; santorumvp
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The problem for Team Romney is that the distrust of Romney is overwhelmingly about his record and shiftiness, but the Romney campaign fundamentally believes it is about his religion. When Team Romney concluded the pitch (read from an iPad seemingly without a passionate delivery) with an admonishment to not be an anti-Mormon bigot, it was game over. Several of the attendees felt like the Romney campaign was almost implying that they’d win without evangelicals and would expect everyone to line up when it was over even without Romney reaching out.

Note to Team Romney: when you are in a room full of Christian leaders like those who were in that room and who have all long been attacked by the left as bigots, it is unwise — no, it is damn foolish — to accuse them of being anti-Mormon bigots, something too many Romney supporters have descended to as the only possible explanation for daring to not get on board with Romney.

Mormon question lingers for Mitt………”46 percent of Mormons say there is broad discrimination against them in the United States, and about 68 percent said they do not see themselves as part of the American mainstream.”

Huntsman to Drop Out of GOP Race; Will Endorse Romney

1 posted on 01/16/2012 3:07:55 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: All; shield
……What gets me is that given Rick Santorum’s polling in South Carolina, his funding and campaign apparatus, the admonition from one influential person that Santorum doesn’t have the campaign to run for President, etc. separate reports suggest a number of people present decided to vote for Santorum not to beat Romney, but to be Romney’s running mate — something that most likely will not happen.

At this point, a vote for Santorum really does help Mitt Romney, but few are willing to acknowledge that. When given the chance to beat Romney, I was kind of shocked by the people who were already reconciled to his win, though that was not the majority view. Most want to fight till the end, fight to the convention, broker a convention, or do anything else to stop Romney. But by voting for Santorum, the group largely undercut more serious efforts waged by Gingrich to stop Romney and, even more troubling if Romney is the nominee and loses, potentially sets up a claim by Rick Santorum, a man who will have been out of office a decade by then, to be the 2016 front runner.

Santorum Revealed as Romney's Stalking Horse in Brenham (The Meeting That Won’t Change The World) .........These conservative leaders really do not care about jobs, people hurting like the Great Depression, America's economy falling into an abyss. All they care about is "the family as the fabric of society," and other Rick Santorum social conservative platitudes. So a majority of them voted for Santorum. They could care less that Santorum would not do anything to reduce metastasizing government, much less castrate it (like Perry would), or has not the slightest trace of executive experience of any kind, government or private.

When asked one-on-one why they were going for Santorum when they knew he had no money, no organization, and stood not a ghost of a chance to win the nomination, the truth came out:

"If we unify behind Santorum, it will force Romney to pick him as his running mate - for he'll know that's the only way to get our support in the general (election in November)."

That's the slimy deal behind this. They'll go for Romney if he goes for Santorum on his ticket. Should we call them Judas Conservatives?"........

2 posted on 01/16/2012 3:10:01 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife
The third thing you should know about this weekend is just how well the Gingrich and Santorum camps handled themselves and how poorly the Perry and Romney camps handled themselves.
3 posted on 01/16/2012 3:14:44 AM PST by trumandogz
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To: trumandogz
Rick Perry had a lot of supporters in the crowd, but too few who thought he could win and many who want him to get out and endorse Gingrich or possibly Santorum before South Carolina votes. His advocate, a friend, was not as well prepared as the others, but many in the crowd did speak up for him.

Erick Erickson is unhappy but he added to his earlier comment (that you've highlighted in your post).

Follow the "logic" and then tell me this means anything.

4 posted on 01/16/2012 3:24:42 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife

“When asked one-on-one why they were going for Santorum when they knew he had no money, no organization, and stood not a ghost of a chance to win the nomination, the truth came out:

“If we unify behind Santorum, it will force Romney to pick him as his running mate - for he’ll know that’s the only way to get our support in the general (election in November).”

That’s the slimy deal behind this. They’ll go for Romney if he goes for Santorum on his ticket. Should we call them Judas Conservatives?”........ “

That is simply amazing, and quite revealing of the tone-deafness of these people. It’s the same game Michele Bachmann was playing. We don’t want to pick the best VP for Romney, WE WANT TO STOP ROMNEY!!

From the get-go, dating all the way back to last August up until now, the only 2 candidates that seem to understand this are Newt & Perry. God help us if we make the same mistake as 4 years ago. We can’t afford to run another RINO retread that is almost certain to be shallacked by Obama. We need a real conservative. In my view, we need Gov Perry, and I’m sticking with him as long as he’s in the race.


5 posted on 01/16/2012 3:27:24 AM PST by lquist1
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To: Cincinatus' Wife

Thanks for posting.


6 posted on 01/16/2012 3:29:00 AM PST by Texas Fossil (Government, even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one)
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To: lquist1; Texas Fossil
Has Rick Santorum ever criticized Mitt Romney? Really pointed out why he is better?

_____________________________________________

Santorum endorsement doesn't impress churchgoers..”The backing appeared to have little impact among evangelicals, who account for more than half of South Carolina's Republican voters.

"I make decisions for myself and I don't listen to what a bunch of leaders say to do," said Victoria Jaworowski, who was attending the Cathedral of Praise mega-church in North Charleston.”……

Santorum says he can win if the others drop out....."RickSantorum sought to build on some recent momentum, including new support from conservative Christian groups, saying he will beat Mr. Romney for the Republican nomination once all the other candidates drop out."

7 posted on 01/16/2012 3:36:27 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife

Read and weep. Lucifer sure seems to be stalking the hallways.


8 posted on 01/16/2012 3:39:05 AM PST by firebrand
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To: Cincinatus' Wife; jonrick46; deepbluesea; TexMom7; potlatch; SunkenCiv; wolfcreek; BuckeyeTexan; ...
Perry Ping....

IF you'd rather NOT be pinged FReepmail me.

IF you'd like to be added FReepmail me. Thanks.

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************


9 posted on 01/16/2012 6:23:24 AM PST by shield (Rev 2:9 Woe unto those who say they are Judahites and are not, but are of the syna GOG ue of Satan.)
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To: shield

I noticed the title on the Dr. Wheeler’s OpEd thread was updated.


10 posted on 01/16/2012 6:46:25 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife

I keep praying for the Lord’s will to be done. Then I remember Job and Nebuchadnezzar.
Are we, as a Nation, being tested or are we getting what we deserve?

I’m praying for grace.


11 posted on 01/16/2012 6:58:06 AM PST by hocndoc (WingRight.org: Have mustard seed & I'm not afraid to use it. 2 men inherited a Bush economy.)
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To: Cincinatus' Wife
Yes, it was changed. IF I'd posted from his website the article couldn't have been pulled up since it is a members only website. I guess I should have anyway to keep the proper title to his article.

Activists say pro-Santorum vote was rigged

12 posted on 01/16/2012 6:58:41 AM PST by shield (Rev 2:9 Woe unto those who say they are Judahites and are not, but are of the syna GOG ue of Satan.)
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To: shield
"Let's get Mexico working again."

Please, Anita, no, no, not the garage...I *tried*.

Oops.

13 posted on 01/16/2012 6:59:09 AM PST by grey_whiskers (The opinions are solely those of the author and are subject to change without notice.)
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To: hocndoc; shield
Perry: Marines in video are 'kids,' not criminals [Obama: Ft. Hood Shooting = Workplace Violence]
14 posted on 01/16/2012 7:02:28 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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To: Cincinatus' Wife

“Team Romney” can kiss.....well, never mind, I’ll try to behave like a lady.

Mormons are beginning to sound like the race pimps, with all their moaning and whining about “bigotry.” I view Mormon doctrine as false and heretical, but I certainly don’t hate Mormons themselves; I pray for them. However, if my opinion of their doctrine qualifies me, in their minds, as a bigot, then so be it.


15 posted on 01/16/2012 8:51:10 AM PST by CatherineofAragon
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To: hocndoc

“I keep praying for the Lord’s will to be done. Then I remember Job and Nebuchadnezzar.
Are we, as a Nation, being tested or are we getting what we deserve?
I’m praying for grace.”

This is exactly what’s been on my mind the past couple of weeks. Considering the widespread moral decay of this country, we may very well be getting the leader(s) we deserve. It’s hard to face up to, but it’s a strong possibility, IMO.


16 posted on 01/16/2012 8:55:09 AM PST by CatherineofAragon
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To: Cincinatus' Wife; xzins; P-Marlowe
Several of the attendees felt like the Romney campaign was almost implying that they’d win without evangelicals and would expect everyone to line up when it was over even without Romney reaching out.

It is very clear to me that as an Evangelical Christian I don't have a candidate to support. Perry lost me when he attacked free enterprise under the guise of "vulture capitalism". Santorum is about the closest I can find on the social issues, but from what I've seen he doesn't have the alpha male personality to be a factor. Maybe it's time for Evangelical Christians to see what common ground we have with the Tea Party and start uniting behind common candidates.

17 posted on 01/16/2012 9:00:35 AM PST by wmfights
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To: Cincinatus' Wife
They'll go for Romney if he goes for Santorum on his ticket. Should we call them Judas Conservatives?"........

Yes.

Maybe this is why Bennett was so quick to condemn the Perry campaign because a pastor correctly pointed out Mormons are not Christians when he was asked the question by a reporter.

18 posted on 01/16/2012 9:08:48 AM PST by wmfights
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To: wmfights

I agree about Perry criticizing “vulture capitalism” but he redeemed himself big time yesterday am when I saw him stand up for our marines. He still is the only one running with a consistent conservative record of job creation. Santorum won’t even support a right-to-work law. His voting record is abysmal. I can’t trust Santorum to get this country back to work. http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/01/06/what-a-big-government-conservative-looks-like/


19 posted on 01/16/2012 9:40:48 AM PST by Conservativegreatgrandma
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To: grey_whiskers

You’re so lame go back in your hole.


20 posted on 01/16/2012 9:44:27 AM PST by shield (Rev 2:9 Woe unto those who say they are Judahites and are not, but are of the syna GOG ue of Satan.)
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