Posted on 10/25/2002 7:37:36 AM PDT by dittomom
Woods may switch from GOP to Dems
He's co-chairman of Salmon's campaign for governor
By Chip Scutari
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 25, 2002
Grant Woods, one of Arizona's most popular Republicans and co-chairman of Matt Salmon's gubernatorial campaign, is considering jumping to the Democratic Party after the Nov. 5 election.
The defection of the former state attorney general would be a coup for Arizona Democrats, who have been courting moderates. Chairman Jim Pederson said he'd be thrilled to have Woods join the party.
"He's a thoughtful, articulate person," said Pederson.
Republican Party Chairman Bob Fannin didn't want to comment.
Woods said he has become increasingly upset by the Republicans' lack of outreach to Hispanics and the conservative wing's domination of the GOP's agenda.
Earlier this year, he spoke out when the state GOP didn't endorse Arizona schools chief Jaime Molera in the primary, which he eventually lost.
"It's the party of Lincoln," Woods said. "But I don't know that Lincoln would recognize it. I'm trying to remember why I became a Republican in the first place."
Woods' public speculation could have a "chilling effect" on Salmon's campaign, Tempe-based pollster Bob Grossfield predicted.
"It provides a great reason for moderate Republicans, and especially moderate Republican women, to look away from Salmon," he said.
Woods said his possible bolt has nothing to do with Salmon, a close friend.
"He is the sort of Republican that I would support," Woods said. "He's a real human being that cares about people. If he's elected governor, that would be a real positive step for the Republican Party."
Salmon said Woods' party preference won't change their friendship.
"Grant has always been an independent thinker," Salmon said. "And if Grant decides to change his party affiliation, then I'll make him the chairman of Democrats for Salmon."
As for Woods' political ambitions, he said he's interested in running for the U.S. Senate, but only if Sen. John McCain, his political mentor, retires in 2004.
"Any opportunities I've had in politics have been because of him," Woods said.
...and the conservative wing's domination of the GOP's agenda.
Glad to hear of THAT!
Well of course the only thing to do is join up with the party of the devil! /sarcasm
I'm guessing he's another "Republican" upset that the GOP won't drop their decades-old planks of supporting only LEGAL immigration and pro-life legislation. He wants the GOP to be more "inclusive" by abandoning most of the planks he deems "offensive" to feminazis, criminals, illegal aliens, etc.
You'll have a great time in the 'RAT party, Mr. Woods. Think about this: where else can you support immigration policies that will cause the nation's population to reach 1 billion by 2100, while having the gall to demand "smaller class sizes, less industrial sprawl, and universal health care for every American." in the future. And they think the GOP's stance on trickle-down economics is hypocritical. Bwahahahaha.
The GOP doesn't need to be 'courting' any group.
That is Democratic policy, to deal with people in ethnic groups.
The GOP should stand for individual freedom and that is what America is about.
(1) That the GOP is pro-life
(2) That the GOP does not support a radical homosexual agenda
(3) That the GOP doesn't support medical marijuana
(4) That the GOP hasn't lowered its standards to support immoral lifestyles which are harmful to traditional families and children. The bottom line is, Grant Woods left his first wife and small children to shack up with reporter/harlette Marlene Galan, and he doesn't want to feel guilty about it.
Grant Woods is an opportunist cut out of the same cloth as Bill Clinton. Good riddance. He's an embarassment to the GOP anyway.
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