Posted on 05/06/2007 12:05:17 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
[Giuliani, McCain and Romney all face problems with the grassroots activists in Iowa caucuses]
~~snip~~
Grassroots activists
In some ways, keeping up the interest level may be easier for the Republicans, because they have more to prove to their grassroots.
At least, that is true of those in Boone County, north of Des Moines, who I met at their monthly meeting in a room above the local public library.
These committed grassroots activists, who will vote in the caucuses and set the tone for the presidential race are - in general - from the socially conservative wing of the party.
For them, all three frontrunners - Arizona Senator John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney - are problematic, whether it's because they have been married more than once or, in the case of Romney, because they are of a different, Mormon faith.
Marti Streeter, the co-chair of the Boone County Republicans, said she could not vote for any of the three leading candidates - and if Mr Giuliani were the nominee, she would resign from the party.
Others, though, were less categorical. Tom Rosenbaum was among those who gave the former New York mayor high marks for his performance on 11 September 2001.
However, Mr Giuliani's three marriages prompted another activist, Matthew Murch, to say "if the choice was between Giuliani and Hillary, I'd write in Mickey Mouse as my candidate".
Senator McCain was accused of changing his mind on issues, but the candidate with most to do in Boone County seems to be Mitt Romney.
Unprompted, a majority of those in the room stated categorically that they would never vote for a Mormon.
"We are a Christian nation," Anne Darby said, "and we should have a Christian president."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
I’m sure Duncan did well in the debate. But elections aren’t won by debating points. Nor, as Mr. Romney knows, are they won by fund-raising alone. It takes a combination of name recognition, personality, politics, positions, and organization. Now, I don’t pretend to follow Hunter’s campaign that closely, but it should be obvious to anyone that he is lacking several of those.
Crowds like this are normal before Romney comes to speak. At first they are a little suspicious with the mormon thing but after he is done talking they swarm to the campaign people asking where they should send their checks to... happens all the time.
As long as romney doesn’t show up for these things dressed in a 19th century attire with a long beard and the book of mormon under his arm he will be ok.
Some don’t like Duncan Hunter because he is a Viewnam War vet, and his son in a few weeks will be on his third tour in Iraq as a Marine.
Romney and his five sons never served
I dont see any reason why Thompson would run. I think he’s waiting for the right time. Everybody I hear tells me that Fred Thompson “won the debate last week” and was not even there. That says a lot.
Marriages and religion have nothing to do with it.
A) I don't intend to vote for someone that the MSM has gone to such trouble to foist upon us as our only reasonable option.
B) They may be Republicans but they're FAR from conservatives.
I refuse to vote again for someone on the basis of the "Then you elect Hillary!" screechers.
If it's a choice between one of these and Hillary, I'll vote off party or vote sit home. Maybe that will finally send the message to the Republican leadership that we won't accept liberal-lite in all of our candidate choices. I'd vote for hunter/Tancredo, but not these yokels.
if this is the best we can get from the Republicans, then they're dead as a party of conservatives anyway.
NO MORE RINOS! GO FRED GO! (PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!)
>Now I don’t pretend to follow Hunter’s campaign that closely, but it should be obvious to anyone that he is lacking...<
May I refer you to thread “ Chris Matthews vs Rudy Giuliani,” posts 21 & 22? And be sure to read the link in 21. A short lesson in debate results and what points they may win.
>Romney and his five sons never served.K
Did Fred?
Of course, all religions are to some degree and at least Mormons aren't killing anybody.
I am somehow not enthused.
This is America, where we’re free to believe any stupid thing we like, and more often than not do.
Nonsense. Anyone making the claim that Romney is as liberal as Giuliani hasn’t looked at his record and hasn’t even glanced at his platform, which is by far the most well spelled-out of any candidate in the race—Democrat or Republican.
As for those who oppose Romney as a Mormon, you’re free to do it. But this Christian is glad to call them a brother in Christ. You’d think that after the Reformation and the massive number of churches in this country that we’d come to the central message of Christ as savior.... *sigh*
Would this be so rampant with a Jewish candidate?
And as for Romney on gay marriage, for instance:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJXyDxMKv1E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXUE7VHeaTc
*And note how Chris Matthews again attacks Romney with polygamy, banished over a hundred years ago. Something he should be well aware of, but brings up anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVrZf0bWobw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjC4lQ90Sas
If that sounds like a liberal, I’d like to see your definition of a conservative.
Do you honestly believe see Giuliani out there doing the same? And yes, that’s an honest question.
Did Fred?
Don’t think so and Rudy kept getting deferments.
If you had tens of thousands of illegals inn your city you might change your mind
-so would you consider a Scientology candidate for president?
“Marti Streeter, the co-chair of the Boone County Republicans, said she could not vote for any of the three leading candidates - and if Mr Giuliani were the nominee, she would resign from the party.”
Ouch!
“We are a Christian nation,” Anne Darby said, “and we should have a Christian president.”
Mormon ouch!
“Yes, 300 million Americans and Duncan Hunter is the the man that should rule us all.”
They are elceted to serve. Not rule.
We are electing a President not our pastor.
Having seen a Clinton and a Gore walking up to the pulpit in a Southern Baptist church and saying, “I want to be your leader.” I know how worthless a politician in the pulpit can be. I’d have to imagine that basic moral values would weigh more than theological concerns and Romney’s pro-family stance and defense of family, work and freedom should be the real test for conservative voters. It is for me, and I’ve certainly concluded that Romney is quite acceptable from a pro-life perspective while Guliani is unacceptable; better a convert than an apostate.
I believe the media is currying this image of prejudice all while they boost the empty-suit Obama and the avaricious-for-power Hillary, in the name of diversity.
the media would love to write a story like “The GOP primary voters are too prejudiced to vote for a mormon.” In fact, I suspect it’s already in the can.
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.