[kabar]

I have never considered Newt to be a real conservative. He suppported the individual mandate (along with the Heritage Foundation), the prescription drug program (the biggest expansion of the entitlement programs since Medicare Parts A and B and an unfunded liabililty of $7.2 trillion), green conservatism and the proposition that global warming was manmade and should be addressed urgrently), amnesty for illegal aliens, etc.

I didn't like his associations with Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and Al Sharpton all under the guise that we could all work together. Nor did I like his support of Dede Scozzafava over a real conservative--Hoffman.

I have always viewed Newt as a chameleon who lacked principle in his public and personal life. But that's me---

[JediJones]

Which is a laughable series of accusations to level at the same time you call Santorum a “true conservative.” Santorum passed the prescription drug program, endorsed Arlen Specter and Mitt Romney, and touted the “moderate” legislation he wrote with Hillary Clinton, Barbara Boxer and Joe Lieberman in his campaign ads.

Newt always touts reaching across the aisle when he finds issues he agrees with Democrats on. Nothing wrong with that. To look at the totality of his career, votes and accomplishments and think Newt is some kind of chameleon or opportunist is beyond absurd. The man fought against GOP moderates like Dole for years and even tried to push Reagan to the right. When Clinton was President, he pushed Clinton to the right. He has a lifetime 90% ACU rating. If you want to focus on the 10%, that’s your choice. But don’t claim Santorum, an 88% ACU guy, is pure as the driven snow.