Posted on 10/27/2009 7:45:09 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Gingrich calls GOP support for Hoffman a 'purge' By Jordan Fabian - 10/27/09 09:47 AM ET
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) late Monday had some choice words for Republicans supporting Conservative Party party candidate Doug Hoffman (N.Y.), accusing them of conducting a "purge" of the GOP.
Many national Republican figures, such as Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) and ex-Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska), have backed Hoffman over GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava in the 23rd district's special election this year. The district has been long-held by Republicans, but many conservatives have shied away from Scozzafava for her socially liberal positions and the local GOP's selection process that they say was not transparent.
Gingrich broke the mold and backed Scozzafava, saying her candidacy gave the Republicans the best shot of regaining a congressional majority. The former Speaker faced a push-back from the right after his announcement but he upped the ante on Monday.
"This idea that we're suddenly going to establish litmus tests and all across the country we're going to purge the party of anybody who doesn't agree with us 100 percent; that guarantees Obama's reelection, that guarantees Pelosi as Speaker-for-life," he told Fox News last night.
Gingrich called Scozzafava a "liberal Republican" for her support of gay marriage and abortion rights. But he defended those positions as in-step with her district and her predecessor, former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was tapped to be President Barack Obama's Army Secretary.
But he said that her endorsement from the National Rifle Association, her signing a no tax-increase pledge, and her opposition to cap-and-trade and healthcare reform legislation made her "adquately conservative in an upstate New York district."
Gingrich also attacked Hoffman for not having proper knowledge of local issues and living outside the 23rd district.
"So I say to many conservative friends who suddenly decided whether they're from Minnesota, or Alaska, or Texas, they know more than the upstate New York Republicans? I don't think so," he added.
There’s always been litmus tests, Newt, get over it. When the ‘rats ejected Liberman from their party it seemed they were narrowing down - did that ejection hurt them? Did it keep them from retaking control of the branches of government? Newt thinking the GOP can win with a demoralized, apathetic base is where the real problem lies.
A "purge" is a terrible thing. And I think it's just about time that we had one...
The only thing that was purged from me was my donation to the Hoffman campaign.
Who actually did pick this person? Are there names and associated histories available? Maybe we can find out some interesting facts regarding why a left-of-center "republican" ended up on the ticket, especially with Newt supporting them... just sayin'
He's becoming as narcissistic as Hussein.
There, Newt, I fixed it for you.
No self-respecting used car lot would have him as a salesman.
what gives, Newt? Dede got naked pictures of you with the latest young female aide?
Newt, you asked for it!
Newt has gone beyond supporting his "Republican" candidate and is now trying to destroy the true conservative candidate. And mostly because Newt's own reputation is at stake. If anyone had any remaining doubts about what a self-serving SOB Newt is, his comments during this campaign should wipe them out.
“Gingrich called Scozzafava a “liberal Republican” for her support of gay marriage and abortion rights. But he defended those positions as in-step with her district and her predecessor, former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was tapped to be President Barack Obama’s Army Secretary.”
They don't have to agree 100%, Newt, but is 10% too much to ask?
Well done Newt - managed to work that out by yourself!
Geez, Newt... I’m so hurt... and to think I sent that Hoffman guy a few bucks this morning... damn...
scazzafoza's ""harmony" with McHugh is not the be all and end all that Newt makes it out to be. That kind of song is the problem in the first instance. Once somebody like McHugh is in - he is in forever. Newt is making the kind of bootstrapping argument that preserves the status quo. He is wrong - let the voters decide.
As can be seen by the latest polls being endorsed by a quitter does not help your candidacy.
A RINO purge is such a sweet sound.
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