Posted on 09/01/2007 11:18:33 PM PDT by anymouse
The Texas Straw Poll is one for the history books. The failure of the legislature to move up the Texas primary date, the scheduling of the event on Labor Day weekend and the first day of dove-hunting season, the limiting of participants to past convention delegates rather than Republican primary voters, and the lack of participation by the leading candidates all contributed to an extremely low turnout.
The event ended up being a showcase for Texas Congressman Ron Paul and California Congressman Duncan Hunter. Expectations were high for Ron Paul, and no doubt his supporters are disappointed by his third place showing. But Duncan Hunter, despite his lack of standing in the polls, gave an inspiring speech. And the fact that he took on the border problem in San Diego, got a wall built on the border to stem the tide of illegal immigrants, and was instrumental in the Secure Fence Border Act (which has yet to be implemented) made him a favorite with the grassroots of Texas. Here in Texas, the immigration issue rules. Memo to the other candidates: If you want to fire up the base, commit to securing our borders and our ports. Ordinary Americans are concerned about our national security. Congressman Hunter is right on this issue, and if he had the funding and the organization, he would go far. He also focused on the war on terror and the trade imbalance with China. The fact that China continues to capitalize on the trade imbalance and invests so heavily in military buildup is another national security issue, and one that needs to be addressed.
It is always good theater to attend a political event such as this, and the speeches of all five of the candidates were interesting. The fact that Senator Fred Thompson came in second and, since he is not yet an official candidate, did absolutely nothing to try to win this straw poll, demonstrates his undeniable appeal to the party faithful. And I would recommend that, as he officially launches his candidacy, he follow the example of Congressman Duncan Hunter and be a strong proponent of the Secure Fence Act. Those who say it will only be climbed over or tunneled under are missing the point. We have to close our borders, and a wall is the starting point. No system is perfect, but we must do something. It has helped curb terrorism in Israel, and it will help slow the illegal traffic of both humans, drugs, and terrorists into the United States. Just ask Duncan Hunter. It has worked in San Diego. And if you build it, Republicans will turn out to vote..
Denise McNamara Republican National Committee Texas
Maybe we should tie a Rat to the string.
It’s so good to see you. ;o)
I absolutely LOVE your analogies. lol
Other folks should take them to heart, too.
They are profound.
You take GOOD care of you. ;o)
Great idea Dix.
The only way I can see politcal peace under our roof is a Romney/Hunter ticket.
I know I know when hell freezes over.
I don’t see any other Republicans running or to run that can win.
Today’s society is far more liberal than four years ago.
Many people on FR live in small towns or homogeneous
areas and are wishful thinkers.
I hope a conservative can win but am facing reality
It’s still early, despite what those “in the know” tell ya’.
Don’t give up, or give in, yet.
It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.
But...yeah...I don’t think a Romney/Hunter ticket is “doable”.
And anyone who defends such a delusion with vigor is SERIOUSLY delusional."
So if you were Hunter how would you go about building name recognition for future runs, or perhaps to put yourself into consideration for the VP slot on the ticket?
I like it, but I posed this ironic teaming months ago.
IMO, given that he's in CA, there's not much that he can do,
except be appointed to a high office like SecDef.
I'd love to see that!
Then let him stick his nads in the arena instead if hiding. I tire of this "maybe" crap. Hunter is putting his neck on the debates like a fighter and from a conservative point of view .. he is smelling like a rose... Time Fred did the same.
Right on, Dixie!
His "nads" as you so "eloquently", "delicately"...POLITELY...termed it, have been in the arena for a long time.
Just not on YOUR timetable.
Personally, I'm tired of folks like you.
Bump you, and sing for freedom some more!
Lord, THEY might kill each other! We definitely don’t need that!
I’ve seen it happen to many times, locally and nationally.
Actually, I like it. The only problem I can see is both of them have such strong California ties. Would that make it hard for them to draw votes from some other parts of the country?
After reading all the “discussion†I call for a Hunter - Thomson debate. A real debate, media asking questions, maybe the public, with a reasonable time limit for each candidate to state their position and rebut.
As I have posted on other threads, I was there, literally, been there, done that and got the t-shirt.
First ever Texas straw poll, and Denise pegs it, this lead balloon fell over when legislature failed to move the primary. Big we are, but by the time we hold an election, the Republican candidate will have been annointed.
Anyone thinking this is a measure of Texas Republican opinion is deluded. Mind you, I met Duncan Fri. very impressive, but with this turnout, any delegate with a bit of patience could meet any candidate who showed.
It was not a total waste for me, I got to grip & grin with old allies and worthy opponents from Rules committee, sort of feel out the waters amongst the true political junkies, only 1,300 showed out of about 30,000 eligible
One surprise was the degree of support Ron Paul had with the old Make-us-a-caucus-state and adopt-by-reference-the-King-James-New-Testament-as-Platform hard core religious right. Also, if you get the chance to hear a who-dat candidate from Georgia, Ray McKinney, he makes Hunter look like an odds on favorite, but gives a really great speech. He ain’t Alan Keyes, but really good, it wouldn’t hurt a real candidate to study Ray’s game tapes.
Fun, but “sound and fury, signifying nothing”, to quote the Bard.
Let me say once again, that I have no problem with Duncan Hunter. I have no problem that he is running. He adds a lot to the campaign. I have no problem with the way he is running, either.
I’d be extraordinarily pleased if Hunter could start getting some traction. It would help all conservatives as it would help get the conservative message out. Even though I still don’t think it will happen, I wish him well.
Catch up with the news.
Just as a point of research, does anyone have a handle where the Bushbot vote on FR, at this point at least, tends to be bunching up? Are most of the BB’s going for Rudy? Romney? Fred Thompson? I am curious about this one and any fellow Freeper who might have a good hand it on would be appreciated if he or she could give some updates.
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