Posted on 02/10/2007 10:05:31 AM PST by NormsRevenge
Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani has all the qualities of a Republican who could appeal to voters in blue-state California: He is pro-choice, pro-gay rights and a defender of stricter gun-control laws.
But those moderate positions on social issues rankle the GOP conservatives who represent the backbone of his party's activists here -- and who could pose a formidable roadblock as Giuliani begins a serious effort this week to expand his appeal in the nation's most populous state.
Giuliani is scheduled today to address hundreds of delegates at the California state GOP convention at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento, marking his first major address since he announced the establishment of an exploratory committee for president.
In a four-day swing through the state, he will visit Silicon Valley for lunch with business leaders on Monday and will travel to the Central Valley for the opening of an agricultural expo in Tulare on Tuesday.
But his toughest assignment could be today's keynote before grassroots true believers of his own party. California's most active Republicans -- those who vote in primaries and, as importantly, provide the critical volunteer effort for campaigns -- are much more conservative than the former New York mayor.
Giuliani's early efforts to establish a base of support here come as California legislators have fast-tracked a bill that would move California's presidential primary earlier in the campaign, to Feb. 5, 2008. The move would cost an estimated $90 million, but is expected to give the state far more clout in deciding the presidential nominees.
"With an early primary, it's more than likely California will play a part in deciding the GOP nomination ... and Giuliani could have California as a bulwark,'' says Rick Jacobs, who heads the Courage Campaign, a grassroots political activist organization that supports the early primary.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
No. It can't be true!
If the Chronicle hacks Maranucci and Wildermuth are pushing him, we have every reason to be suspicious. Not that there are not infinite reasons to suspect his intentions already.
So, was it because the Democratic hopefuls were too crowded that he thinks he can run as a Republican? Who does he say he represents? He doesn't carry any of the values I consider priority for public office.
Compared to the left-wing skunks that represent us in Norcal, Rudy comes off as a Buchananite.
These days, it is best to be suspicious of the air you breathe and the news you ingest.
Tis a foul wind that blows from 5th and Mission in SF.
As usual, the actual primary will mean nothing by the time Californians get to vote. Instead, CA will fill its usual function as an ATM machine while our primary choice is decided by places like New Hampshire and Iowa.
I am hopeful that this very premature '08 hysteria will lead to Rudy, Hussein Obama, Hitlery, McPain, etc all burning themselves out with the press and public.
By the time the actual consideration of candidates for the next election becomes appropriate, this current crop of socialist should have self destructed.
I look forward to an actual conservative joining the '08 race, at an appropriate and strategically intelligent time.
I am hopeful that this very premature '08 hysteria will lead to Rudy, Hussein Obama, Hitlery, McPain, etc all burning themselves out with the press and public.
By the time the actual consideration of candidates for the next election becomes appropriate, this current crop of socialist should have self destructed.
I look forward to an actual conservative joining the '08 race, at an appropriate and strategically intelligent time.
"As usual, the actual primary will mean nothing by the time Californians get to vote. Instead, CA will fill its usual function as an ATM machine while our primary choice is decided by places like New Hampshire and Iowa."
Considering how terribly socialist Kalifornia leans, and the number of illegals voting there, that is a GOOD thing!
Capt Norm --
I am one of those broken glass Republican Conservatives who will do anything to vote against Ms. Clinton.
There is a bill to move up the CA primary to Feb 5, 2008 which from all accounts stands a good chance of passing so CA will be in the mix!
We just found out in OK that all 10 Dems running are going to start coming into our State since we vote 5 Feb as well. I ask why would they want to come here with our few votes -- I got so tired of Dem commercials in 2004, I refused to watch any local news where they appeared every night for two months. We did give Kerry a 3rd place finish -- only early voting state that did that! He won every place else that night.
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