Posted on 11/14/2007 4:30:12 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Responding to the National Right to Life Committee's endorsement of Fred Thompson, Paul Weyrich suggested that Thompson's backers greased some palms.
"I think in all probability the Thompson people were engaged with the National Right to Life people in financial dealing," Weyrich told the Washington Times.
That's a pretty tough charge and almost certainly not what Romney's campaign wanted their big social conservative "get" to suggest (at least not publicly).
Sensing opportunity to win more points from their own big "get" (the group's nod) Thompson communications director Todd Harris unloaded:
"Gov. Romney is new to the pro-life movement and his campaign clearly has a few things to learn about it. First, they should understand that despite their campaign's every effort, groups like the National Right to Life Committee's PAC (NLRC-PAC) cannot be bought. NLRC-PAC is supporting Fred Thompson because of Fred's 100% pro-life voting record. They know he stood with them yesterday, he stands with them today, and he will stand with them tomorrow. It is unseemly for the Romney campaign and its supporters to suggest that NLRC-PAC's coveted endorsement is based on a bribe. Second, this unfounded accusation is as outrageou s as it is ironic, given the Romney campaign's long history of spreading money around to anyone who will take it.
"If the Romney campaign is looking for the reason they did not receive the NLRC-PAC endorsement, they can start with the fact that Gov. Romney was pro-choice just two years ago. They should also consider the fact that Gov. Romney's own health care plan in Massachusetts offers taxpayer funded abortions for a mere $50 co-pay and requires by law that a representative from Planned Parenthood sit on the MassHealth advisory board. Tellingly, Gov. Romney made no such requirement for a representative from the pro-life movement.
"The Romney campaign was clearly hoping for this endorsement and are now clearly upset. But being denied an endorsement is no excuse to impugn the integrity of the very organization they were just days ago trying to woo."
Think he had fun with that one? Romney spokesman Kevin Madden responded by not disavowing Weyrich -- but also avoiding what he said.
"Governor Romney is thankful for the support he has received from pro-life advocates, he respects those that have offered their support for other candidates, and he will continue to work with ALL of the grassroots activists involved in the pro-life movement throughout this campaign," Madden told Jennifer Rubin.
Fred Dalton Thompson, the next President of the United States.
This is getting nasty.
BUMP!
This election cycle has really brought out the worst in people I used to respect, and they seem to be falling like flies....its absolutely unbelievable. And why? What is it about Fred that drives otherwise normal people into fits of anti-Fred psychosis.
Weyerich should apologize to Fred immediately, that is the only way he can gain back any credibility.
Considering that Senator Sam Brownback was endorsed by Father Frank Pavone (a friend of the Weyrichs), and then Senator Sam Brownback endorsed John S. McCain (III), who has often voted pro-abortion, I would consider this par for the course of these pro-lifers.
I supported Senator Fred Thompson before NRLC did, and I think the motivation of the NRLC is that Fred has the best chance to beat both Rudy and Hillary (and Obama). The NRLC are trying to solidify the pro-life movement behind one candidate.
As for the Weyrichs and Father Frank Pavone, I don't think much of their work these days. One thread I posted on Freerepublic was about how Priests for Life (Father Frank's organization) has not said much on their website about the movie Bella, which has a pro-life topic.
So it seems Paul Weyrich and PFL are minor leaguerers these days. The NRLC does not make decisions without careful thought. I have great respect for that bunch, and that bunch has helped get us Supreme Court Justices like Roberts, Alito, Thomas, and, of course, Scalia. And with some prodding from Roberts, SCOTUS Justice Kennedy may come around to more and more conservative decisions...
Exactly, it is great to see the Romney clan get smacked down looking like idiots making false charges, they they themselves do by bribing organizations for their support.
Non event. It will be off the radar screen as soon as the next Democratic debate occurs, when Hillary is supposed to redeem herself. It will be amusing to see if Blitzen backs off, per his orders.
Supporting a Massachusetts candidate makes no sense -- Romney will fall flat on his face in the South.
At least the Schadenfreude is fresh tonight!
“I have great respect for that bunch, and that bunch has helped get us Supreme Court Justices like Roberts,”
Remember the individual who was brought in to help pull that off.
McLean, VA - Thompson for President Communications Director Todd Harris today released the following statement in response to the outrageous accusations by the Romney campaign and its supporters in today's Washington Times that the National Right to Life Committee was bribed by the Thompson campaign in exchange for its endorsement:
"Gov. Romney is new to the pro-life movement and his campaign clearly has a few things to learn about it. First, they should understand that despite their campaign's every effort, groups like the National Right to Life Committee's PAC (NRLC-PAC) cannot be bought. NRLC-PAC is supporting Fred Thompson because of Fred's 100% pro-life voting record. They know he stood with them yesterday, he stands with them today, and he will stand with them tomorrow. It is unseemly for the Romney campaign and its supporters to suggest that NRLC-PAC's coveted endorsement is based on a bribe. Second, this unfounded accusation is as outrageou s as it is ironic, given the Romney campaign's long history of spreading money around to anyone who will take it.
"If the Romney campaign is looking for the reason they did not receive the NRLC-PAC endorsement, they can start with the fact that Gov. Romney was pro-choice just two years ago. They should also consider the fact that Gov. Romney's own health care plan in Massachusetts offers taxpayer funded abortions for a mere $50 co-pay and requires by law that a representative from Planned Parenthood sit on the MassHealth advisory board. Tellingly, Gov. Romney made no such requirement for a representative from the pro-life movement.
"The Romney campaign was clearly hoping for this endorsement and are now clearly upset. But being denied an endorsement is no excuse to impugn the integrity of the very organization they were just days ago trying to woo."
I think we have a much smarter electorate now...at least on the Republican side. I am still stunned that any pro-life advocate would endorse Rudy or Mitt. They have sold their credibility to the highest bidder.
And the winner is Fred Dalton Thompson, the next President of the United States.
I’ve never seen any information that Paul and David Wyerich are related in any way. Not saying they are not, but if they are there’s little information about it.
I live in the same area of California as David and Mary Wyerich and have some local knowledge of their history both good and bad.
Not nasty.
Fun. When the other guy steps in it, take pleasure in it.
I sure am.
LOL!
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.