Your post #67 is probably the best on this long thread. Pointing out that DeMint will be a large enough asset at Heritage to overcome his loss from the Senate was essential for people here.
There is very good likelihood that a great conservative will be nominated in his place. In addition, it is important to realize that Ed Fulner is 70 years old, and it is time to get a new captain for the helm of Heritage. I don’t know of a man better for that position than DeMint.
DeMint has not been invisible as far as getting conservatives elected to the Senate up to now. We owe DeMint some credit for least five of the more conservative senators elected in the last 4 years. He has done a lot of good for us as Senator, and will continue to be able to do a lot of good outside the Senate. I hope that time shows that he does even more good at Heritage than he could have done by remaining in the Senate.
One other thing: I have always believed that Senators should serve no more than 20 years, and even more like 14, so his move is consistent with this opinion of mine.
GodSpeed, Jim. Do us proud in your new role!
I think DeMint will be far more visible in the media than Fulner.
I honestly think DeMInt in his new role will be a great help in reshaping, redefining, and reinvigorating the conservative movement.
The likes of Mitch McConnell and Trent Lott hate DeMint because he didn’t go along with Senate tradition. You see, the senate, like the old aristocratic republics, wants to choose its own members. It doesn’t want the people choosing its members. Hence the tradition of always supporting the reelection of your colleagues. McConnell would not help Reid’s opponent, Santorum was encouraged to support Specter, senators tried to help Lugar and supported Murkowski, etc.
DeMint said to hell with that. He felt that the senate and the republican caucus would be better off without Arlen Specter, a backstabber and a liberal. He openly came out for Specter’s opponent and that was the end of Specter. That’s all it took. Specter instantly betrayed the party that had elected him for 30 years. Then DeMint supported Rubio, against Cornyn’s NRSC endorsed Charlie Crist, another turncoat. The NRSC sure can pick-em!
The senate should not be choosing who sits in the body, the people should. The people should choose the nominee and then the NRSC should help to get them elected. DeMint will be a powerhouse to get conservatives nominated in the states, and that’s the key. And he’ll keep the more moderate-liberal leaning senators looking over their shoulders at a primary challenge. I’m looking forward to the battles!