Dave,
You're killing me. This is exactly what I was talking about. When a candidate for significant office stakes their political pedigree on a limited scope of issues which do not have broad appeal they maringalize themselves.
Honestly, someone please tell me what power a governor has with regards to Life issues? The law has been set at SCOTUS. Unless and until they revisit Roe a governor can do little if anything. Yet, people continue to want to stake their political lives on these issues over which they have no say and no sway.
Granted, I am 3000 miles away these days, but I have seen nothing significant from the Gallagher campaign to get themselves any attention that does not relate to Life issues. It is not a winning strategy. I'm sure there has to be something else, but begging for help from hard line social conservatives is making him look desperate and looking desperate in a primary makes people think he can't win in November.
Best of luck, but Crist is looking strong, not only in the primary - but he appears to be rolling towards Tallahassee.
P.S. The other thing that bothers me is the people who stake their vote on only 1 or 2 issues. I have seen so much screaming and crying by people in a number of states who claim that if their guy (normally an extremely social conservative) doesn't win then they are throwing away their support for the GOP and staying home in Nov. People please remember that there is a LOT at stake in Nov. The House, The Senate, and momentum for 2008 can all be gained or lost. If you cannot bring yourself to vote for candidate 'X then fine, leave that spot blank o election day, but get out there and support those you can, vote for those who deserve your support, and continue to moving forward for the changes you desire and to maintain the things you cherish.
Who among us 20 years ago could have predicted a SC as it sits today? A Senate made up as it is? A House that has been solidly GOP for years?
Every election matters. If you are so pro-life that you cannot stomach a vote for Mr. Crist then at least vote for the House and Senate - imagine the legislation on Life that a Speaker Peolsi would push through... imagine the traveties that would come out of a Senate led by Harry Ried... imagine where Life issues will be if we cripple the President and allow the Dems to drive the debate by giving them congress. Just imagine.
Crist's support after the debate has dwindled, much like his support in a hypothetical match against Davis fell apart as soon as he started running commercials. I was leaning toward supporting him just 2 weeks ago. After looking at his views, no way.
The debate showed him to be a liberal, pro-gay adoption, pro- "civil" unions, etc.
If Roe v Wade is ever overturned, we certainly don't want Charlie Crist in, but even if it's not the role of the Governor is important with regard to parental consent, state funds for abortion agencies, partial birth abortion (if federal law is in limbo), etc.
Gallagher can easily beat Davis and Crist has shown himself to be a liar who says whatever the opportunity warrants. People get turned off by that.
It IS appropriate to discuss ALL relevent issues in the PRIMARY as I believe a persons position on these issues are an indication of how they will handle other "principle" based decisions.. this is a PRIMARY, and as it stands now I support Gallagher in the PRIMARY... I will SUPPORT the winner of the REPUBLICAN PRIMARY in any case.. Hope this helps your concern...
David