Posted on 11/03/2004 7:08:29 AM PST by NCPAC
This is my first (and likely last) vanity, but I wanted to point out one of the sadder notes within all the well-deserved GOP euphoria over last night's election.
Congressman Phil Crane (R-IL) was defeated in his bid for re-election. This saddens me greatly, as Crane was one of my first political heroes - as well as one of the true leaders of the New Right that took Washington by storm in the early 1980's.
While serving in Congress, Crane took a long-shot at capturing the GOP nomination for President in 1980, running against - and to the right of - eventual winner, the one and only Ronald Reagan. I supported Crane in that primary, and immediately jumped to RR when Crane went down.
As has been his style, once losing to Reagan in in the primary, Crane stumped for Reagan in select states for the remainder of the election cycle.
While it's true Crane has had some "interesting" moments in his career, it is also true that he was truly one of the trail blazers of the conservative movement: Always willing to stump for conservatives, unapologetic in his rightist views, Phil Crane will be missed - by me, at least.
Thank you, Congressman Crane foryour years of unwavering leadership and service. You've done yourself, and everyone anywhere on the right, proud.
Now if we could just teach them to shoot out - at the other guys...
Crane led the fight on the House floor against Carter's Panama Canal giveaway. That is where and how Crane made something of a national name for himself, and the podium from which he launched his Quixotic campaign for Presidency.
I'm sure you'll love Crane's replacement when it comes to actually voting in Congress.
"But as with all great stars in the galaxy, we best remember them when they were at their apex."
Yes, we do!
Thank you for your kind words on behalf of Congressman Crane. While I agree that the years had taken their toll in a number of ways, the good he did for this country and for the consertive movement is immeasurable.
To answer your question, I was the National Conservative Political Action Committee's press secretary and second spokesman (to NCPAC Chairman, Terry Dolan) from between 2/82 - 2/84.
Looks like Alan Keyes will have to get a real job after the party leadership pins the blame on him and doesn't invite him to any more carpetbag parties.
FYI my county, Macon and 10 other surrounding counties went red last night for Bush.....2/3'rds of Illinois is red.....
I don't disagree with your assessment, ken5050. Phil Crane likely should have retired before he was booted out. However, I so vividly recall the time when Phil Crane was conservative before conservative was "cool."
Back in the day, when Crane walked into a room - you knew it. He was fearless, always outspoken, and "right" nearly all the time. Yes, his time had past - but, man, he shone brightly and blazed trails.
As I recall, after he came out of rehab, he was never the same person, and being a recovering alcoholic in DC has to be pretty tough..
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.