Posted on 11/12/2008 7:58:21 PM PST by counterpunch
Three out of the four most powerful House Republican leadership positions will be changing hands in the wake of Tuesday’s election, in which Democrats gained 19 seats. That won’t include the position of House Minority Leader, however.
Sources on Capitol Hill told CNSNews.com that despite “widespread discontent” among rank-and-file Republicans, it is unlikely that House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) will even be challenged for his position in the new Congress.
“The general feeling around here is, ‘Let’s just get rid of all of them,’” one Republican aide said Friday. “We’re just not big fans (of Boehner.) We have got to get someone in who has a better way of relating to people.”
But the most likely candidate, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), a conservative who, sources say, several members have privately urged to run for the post, took himself out of the running on Friday.
In a statement issued to CNSNews.com, Ryan said that despite the “outpouring of support,” he has opted out for personal reasons.
“I share their hunger for reform and will work tirelessly as a policy leader for the Republican Party,” Ryan said. “My first priority in life will always be my wife and my three young children. As I reflect upon the strains that this position would place on my young family, I have decided not to enter my name as a candidate for House Minority Leader.”
House GOP Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) announced last week that they will step down. Reps. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and Mike Pence (R-Ind.), respectively, have declared their candidacies to fill those vacancies.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnsnews.com ...
Screw Pat Buchanan, the idiot bigot that he is. If he fell off the face of the earth, I'd ask what took so long.
That's my Jewish side talking and I'm sticking by it.
Paleoconservatives like the idea of isolationism.
While we are still energy dependent, how on earth is that a reasonable idea? Paleoconservatives must also enjoy living in the stone age.
Correct me if I am wrong; As far as I recall, since America has been a super power, we have had troops all over the world. Ending that would ultimately end us as being looked upon as a superpower.
Isolationism sucks. It didn't work pre WW1, why would it work now?
What is so hard about finding a FISCAL CONSERVATIVE.
Ron Paul has some great domestic ideas, but his foreign policy idea's blow goats.
Boner is going to screw the base!
“He basically said the conservatives were going to vote Republican, and they needed to work on expanding the tent to moderates and independents.”
The GOP has always taken conservatives for granted.
Republican's need to work on expanding the tent to moderates and independents, but BY appealing to them with normal fiscal conservative principals. That should not be a hard thing to understand but to some it is.
Perfect conservatives want nothing at all compromised, moderates want everything compromised, there needs to be a happy middle. Again, that must be a hard concept to follow because it makes entirely to much sense.
All of Bush administration and McCain's pleasing didn't accomplish a thing because it was just taking a liberal idea, calling it their own and then allowing the Liberal's to take swipes at their own idea.
The GOP should not take the conservatives for granted, however the GOP should not throw moderates and independents to the wolfs like a "few perfect conservatives want". They are needed to win an election. End of Story.
All this non-sense blaming moderates for the failure of the Republican's the last 8 years is starting to get old. Stick the blame where it is due, the Republican's lost the big picture of small government and instead created massive government spending.
I watched an interview with Jindal and what he says should be listened to. He is definitely full of idea's, and like some point out here, he is definitely going to be a party leader. He said the same thing I think. Republican's need to get back to what they stand for, small government, limited spending. And they need to be LOUD AND VOCAL. They need to drown out the MSM lies.
It'll take a while, but what this country needs right now is some good grandfatherly guidance.
Nice rant. Thanks.
Actually, finding ANY conservative to run for President would be nice.
Good luck. 10 million Americans voted for the new Hitler because he's young and attractive. Not a drop of substance, but, hey... he looks good.
This is a problem. Romney could have been the nominee but for his kooky hair style. He looked like someone only a country club member could vote for. Didn't work.
We need to sell our candidate like American Idol. The voters, as a mass, are ignorant and issues don't matter because they don't understand them. They look at the person and determine whether they LIKE the person. Then they vote. We just elected a gorgeous MARXIST!!!!
Tell those geezers to dump the “congressional hairdo” or they will be forevermore in the minority.
The Libs figured this out with Kennedy, Clinton and The O.
and more here:
GOP Begins Plotting Comeback (Operation: Boehner’s Donors)
Real Clear Politics | November 12, 2008 | Reid Wilson
Posted on 11/12/2008 10:03:13 PM PST by counterpunch
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2131292/posts
The fact isn’t whether or not he’s a conservative- if he’s gonna keep his position he needs to be one of the prominent faces of the conservative mess.
If the GOP had stood up for itself and not let themselves get stuck with the rap for the financial crisis, John McCain may very well have won the election.
But lets make the best of a bad situation. This is the first time we’ve had in a while to actually restructure our party’s message. And if Boehner isn’t going to speak up for conservative principles he needs t go.
Sorry. Stupid me forgot to proofread. Should read “Conservative Message”
He’s a good congressman, but he’s not a leader, and he campaigned against McCain for president. WHich is great if that’s your thing, but don’t expect to become the party’s leader.
I agree, but lets not through out the baby with the bath water!
Wasn’t Boehner in the words of the popular MA John F. Kerry “against” the bailout before he was “for” it?
Ron Paul has the support of one and only member of the House Republican conference — himself.
Yes Boehner voted for the 700 billion dollar bailout!
Ron Paul is 74 years old and was first elected to Congress in 1976. I doubt he’s going to stick around “rebuilding” the party for years until they’re back to Gingrinch-like majority numbers. And while I could stomach his antiwar views if weren’t in the middle of a GWOT, now is not the time to have an “opposition leader” who plays footsie with the likes of Dennis Kuncinich.
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.