Southern Republican Leadership Conference: 5 takeaways

Politico ^ | May 24, 2015 | Alex Isenstadt

[Cincinatus' Wife]

At one of the most important events on the GOP calendar, Scott Walker showed his crash course in foreign policy is paying off.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Like most other recent GOP presidential forums and meetings, the Southern Republican Leadership Conference this week teemed with 2016 candidates aiming for a breakthrough moment.

Nothing like that happened here. But in attending one of the most important events on pre-primary season calendar — one that drew roughly 2,000 conservative activists, mainly from the Republican Party’s Southern heartland — the White House hopefuls revealed a little more about themselves and the paths they see to the 2016 nomination.

When Senate business forced Texas Sen. Ted Cruz to cancel his appearance, his campaign rolled out his father, Rafael Cruz, a bomb-throwing crowd-pleaser. Chris Christie, the tough-talking New Jersey governor, found a way to soften his image — by talking about his mom. And top prospects like former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker provided clues as to how they’ll address the biggest challenges confronting their candidacies.

Here are POLITICO’s 5 takeaways from the SRLC:

Scott Walker’s crash course in foreign policy is paying off

The Wisconsin governor’s limited foreign policy experience showed earlier this year — his inability to provide coherent answers to several foreign policy questions raised serious doubts about his readiness for the global stage. But he avoided the tripwire in Oklahoma City and showed that his recent foreign policy cram sessions are making a difference.

He concluded his SRLC speech with a four-minute discussion of his foreign policy vision. There were details of his recent trip to Israel and a dark warning about threats from abroad, saying that it’s “not a question of if there is another [attempted attack] on American soil, it’s when another attempt is made.”

Walker’s opponents, many of whom have far more experience dealing with international affairs, still see foreign policy as a his soft spot. Following him onto the stage was former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who had a line tailored for the moment. “You don’t want a Republican candidate whose national security experience is a briefing book,” he said.

The straw poll era is coming to a close

At a time when the Iowa Straw Poll finds itself on life support, the conference provided yet more evidence that the non-binding, easily gamed contests are losing their luster.

Aside from surgeon Ben Carson and Cruz, who finished first and third, respectively in the SRLC straw poll, not a single candidate waged a serious effort to win. The three front-runners for the Republican nomination — Bush, Walker, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio — barely had any presence in the halls of the Cox Convention Center. For each, the straw poll seemed to present more risk than reward, so they chose to ignore the poll.

The only candidates who see value in straw polls are insurgent candidates like Carson and Cruz. For both, the SRLC event presented the opportunity to claim momentum in a field of better-known and better-funded rivals. That’s why Carson supporters patrolled the halls, seeking out potential supporters and inviting them to take pictures with a life-size cardboard cut-out of the candidate. Cruz aides, meanwhile, mapped out a detailed plan to contact prospective attendees ahead of the event in hopes of boosting their tally.

Jeb Bush is directly confronting his weaknesses

In the space of 25 minutes Friday, the former Florida governor addressed the two questions bedeviling his candidacy — the family name and lingering skepticism about his conservative bona fides.

Bush, who’s spent the last two weeks grappling with how to distinguish himself from his brother’s legacy, began the speech by tackling the elephant in the room. “You know me as George and Barbara’s boy. At least, if you haven’t, I don’t know where you’ve been,” he said to laughter. “And as W’s brother. I’m proud of my brother, I really am.”

The light-hearted introduction warmed the crowd but, more important, it signaled to the audience that Bush respects and recognizes the continued need to acknowledge the unease surrounding his brother’s record and the prospect of a third Bush presidency.

Later, in front of an audience filled with southern conservatives, Bush sought to turn a vulnerability — the perception that he’s not conservative enough — into a strength by encouraging the audience to think in terms of electability, not adherence to party orthodoxy. He urged attendees to keep an open mind during the nominating process and to wage a 2016 campaign not simply in red parts of the country, but in areas that have been less friendly to the Republican Party in recent years — the kinds of places he insists he can compete in. “I think we have to go beyond preaching to the choir, to be honest with you, although I love the choir, don’t get me wrong.” he said.

Chris Christie impressed

The New Jersey governor, dragged down by sagging poll numbers and still not free of the Bridgegate scandal, faces long odds if he chooses to run.

Yet this week, Christie — a Northeasterner viewed with suspicion in some conservative corners — traveled to one of the reddest states on the map and delivered a speech that impressed many in the audience. The governor who once embraced President Obama played to the crowd with sharp attacks on the administration’s executive actions. He detailed his positions in substantive policy areas like foreign affairs and entitlement reform. And the usually brash governor offered a heartfelt telling of his mother’s last words to him while on her death bed.

Yes, there were a few jeers — during his defense of the Patriot Act, one person yelled at him to “protect the Constitution.” But overall, it was a solid performance for a governor whose political fortunes have plummeted. He was interrupted several time by loud applause.

Christie had another good reason for making the trek to Oklahoma City, an oil and gas hub rich with powerful Republican donors: He held a roundtable event for America Leads, the super PAC that’s been set up to support his anticipated presidential run.

The South is up for grabs

The South, for all its influence in Republican Party politics, doesn’t have a favorite son or daughter in the 2016 sweepstakes.

In the straw poll, and in the hall, attendees seemed divided about whom to support. Carson has some traction at the grassroots, but many activists and party leaders were inclined to support Walker or Cruz. There was little to suggest that the two authentically Southern candidates who proudly describe themselves as such — former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham — were winning broad support.

The South has taken aggressive steps to increase its influence in the nominating process, with a group of states — including Texas, Alabama, and Virginia — moving their primary to March 1. But even as the South aims for greater clout in deciding the nominee, there’s little evidence to suggest any one candidate has a significant edge.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

>>>>Source

“.....Carson supporters had a heavy presence at the conference, with many wearing campaign T-shirts and carrying a life-sized cardboard cutout of the candidate. Their organization paid off with a strong showing from voters who came from states outside Oklahoma. Walker actually got the most votes from Oklahomans, according to conference organizers.

Walker’s second place finish was particularly impressive since he had no obvious operation on the ground. The two-term Wisconsin governor gave a well received speech on the first day of the conference, and has yet to officially launch his campaign.....” Source

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Have a listen to Friday's wide ranging and revealing Scott Walker interview on The Dana Show 29:00

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Scott Walker comes in second in southern GOP straw poll

".....Donna Byas, a hospital pharmacist from Norman, Oklahoma, said she picked Cruz in the straw poll but nearly switched her vote to Walker after hearing his Thursday speech. She said Walker has broad appeal among Republicans -- a characteristic she didn't see in any other GOP candidate.

"I really thought about changing my mind," she said after the poll results were announced. "He hit on some red meat issues that I really liked."

Byas said Walker's speech revealed to her his father's Baptist pastor background, which swayed her support toward Walker.

"I don't make my whole decision on religion but it is important to me to know that the guy has a faith and a faith that is a relevant one," she said, adding "He seems like a guy who recognizes what it is to live a regular life."

On the issues, 46 percent of poll respondents said national security was the most important issue to them. Walker received heavy cheers at the conference for his comments about fighting Islamic extremist terrorists sooner rather than later.

About 40 percent were most concerned with economic issues, while just 14.4 percent cared most about social issues, according to poll results."

[ilgipper]

I call BS on the straw polls. They are growing and will continue to grow because of the 24/7 media. It’s a way to grab headlines quickly for the hosts and the candidates. Every cycle has more than the last.

[rrrod]

Straw polls are worthless. Remember Pres. Ron Paul LOL

[RIghtwardHo]

I find there is very little to take away from “conferences” or “straw polls”. It tends to be no more than someone looking for something to take away. Talk to me about Primary vote totals and THEN I’ll listen.

[Georgia Girl 2]

I agree. These straw polls are worthless. Half these people have not even announced yet.

[Patton@Bastogne]

.


Comments have been made regarding the questioning the validity of Straw Polls (as hosted by such groups as the Southern Leadership Conference and the Florida Policy Institute).


Doctor Ben Carson is "not" my choice for the 2016 GOP Nomination (although I admire him, and recommend that ALL watch his movie on Netflix).

I also admire (as Patton admired Rommel) the superb "military grade" victory that Ben Carson's TEAM won in Oklahoma.






Here's a "brutal and frank" heads-up for Ted Cruz's supporters.

Get involved NOW.

TODAY.

Go to Facebook and JOIN both your state's "Ted Cruz 45" and a "Revolution 2016" Groups.

TODAY.

Plan a local "grassroots" event in your town.

TODAY.





Ted Cruz Campaign Team Members !

It's time for each of us (starting with me) to transition from Facebook "Keyboard Commandos" to becoming a Victorious "Boots-on-the Ground" force for Ted Cruz's presidential campaign.

Ouch !!! That even zinged me !

Start your organizing your State County Teams today. I've included some basic ideas below ... You're guaranteed to have even better ideas !

Here's an EXCELLENT Grassroots Campaign Book : "The Grassroots Organizing Guide for a Progressive America" ...

Created for YOU by the Democratic Party ... FREE Adobe PDF download ...

http://www.blogforiowa.com/…/Grassroots_Organizing_Guide.pdf


Take a look at the Ted Cruz 2016 Florida Grassroots Victory Campaign website. It's a template for an easy to create website to coordinate your state's Ted Cruz election campaign.

http://www.engineering-excellence.us/ted_cruz_2016_florida.…

"Let's Roll !"


========================================


Suggested Goals and Responsibilities for State Grassroots Campaign County Team Coordinators:


1) At ALL times preserve the good name of Senator Ted Cruz !


2) Follow the "official" Ted Cruz Campaign "Chain of Command".


3) ALL Grassroots members register at: www.tedcruz.org/volunteer/ .


4) All leadership SHALL be free of arrest records and felony convictions.


5) Strategic Operational Directive: Win State GOP 2016 Primary !


6) Recruit for these Key Positions

6-A) Five (5) Senior County Team Leaders
6-B) Press-News Media Liaison : Interviews & Press Conferences
6-C) Campaign Materials Manager : Literature & Yard Signs
6-D) Three (3) Pastors-Rabbis from local Church-Synagogues
6-E) Internet Social Media Coordinator : Admin for State webpage
6-F) Financial Coordinator (Treasurer)
6-G) Tea Party Group Liaison : Invites Tea Party Groups
6-H) Art-Graphics Coordinator for banners, logos, signs, etc.
6-I) Event Planner for Meetings & Rallies


7) Create an effective Grassroots COMMUNICATION NETWORK

7-A) Master Communication Database : Name, Phones, E-Mails
7-B) Only the Five Senior County Team Leaders have access


8) Team Leader Weekly Communication Meetings

8-A) Informal. Coffee shops, etc.
8-B) Discuss tasks, people … face to face is best.
8-C) Goal -- One (1) public County Rally-Event each month


These events are Dry Runs for the 2016 State GOP Primary
They are a GREAT test of TEAM strengths and weaknesses.


"Practice-Practice-Practice-Practice-Practice"


========================================


"Godspeed" to Ted Cruz's Presidential Election Victory !


Douglas Coggeshall
Florida Pinellas County Team
Ted Cruz 2016 Florida Grassroots Victory campaign

http://www.engineering-excellence.us/ted_cruz_2016_florida.…

(727) 485-6220
Ted-Cruz-2016@Engineering-Excellence.US


========================================


Press Release : 2015-05-22

Ted Cruz 2016 Florida Grassroots Victory Campaign

Subject: Ted Cruz VICTORY in Florida GOP Straw Poll Vote


U.S. Senator Ted Cruz won an AMAZING victory at last night’s “Florida Family Policy Council” GOP Presidential Straw Poll in Orlando (Maitland), Florida.

Ted Cruz SURPRISES the GOP Beltway Establishment Pundits at the FFPC Florida Straw Poll (May 19, 2015) in Orlando, Florida.

A virtual dead-heat between Ted Cruz (30.3 %) and supposed "Florida native son darling" Marco Rubio (30.7 %).

Jed Bush and Scott Walker shared third-place with a paltry 8.9 % each, barely passing an otherwise weak showing by Rick Santorum (6.7 %), Rand Paul (4.5 %), Ben Carson (3.4 %), Mike Huckabee (2.2 %) and Rick Perry (1.1 %).

GOP 2016 candidates Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, Lindsey Graham, Bobby Jindal, and John Kasich each received "zero" straw poll votes.

Political analysts view this straw poll victory for Senator Ted Cruz as reinforcing the idea that America's Conservative voters are deciding very early on to consolidate behind the best qualified genuine conservative candidates, and NOT repeat the disaster of the "Political Circular Firing Squad" in 2012 when Mitt Romney and the Karl Rove Establishment GOP defeated in detail otherwise excellent candidates such as Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum.

Shown above (photograph courtesy of conservative political consultant Kevin Wright) are ten of the estimated twenty-five Ted Cruz Florida grassroots supporters who attended the FFPC event.

Their attendance was noteworthy in that most of the Ted Cruz attendees received only three days advance notice of the event.

Douglas Coggeshall, a Conservative Evangelical Christian who is building a Florida grassroots organization for all of Florida's 67 counties, challenged the FFPC event's attendees to build effective county-level grassroots organizations NOW, to defeat the Jeb Bush GOP $ 100 million dollar juggernaut in the GOP Presidential State primaries in 2016.

Coggeshall invited event attendees to participate in the July 18 Tampa planning meeting for the Ted Cruz Florida Grassroots Victory Campaign.

The Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) event was superbly moderated by John Stemberger (Florida attorney) who presented a comprehensive examination of individual candidate strengths and weaknesses prior to the straw poll vote. Discussion leads included Carl Stevens, Sara Johnson, Florida Senator Alan Hayes, Bryan Empric, Karin Hoffman and Pastor Kurt Kelly.

Discussion leaders Carl Jackson (columnist) and Karin Hoffman (Tea Party national leader) pointed to Ted Cruz's extraordinary record of accomplishment while serving as U.S. Senator, and his unique quality of NOT having "flip-flopped" on any campaign issues, unlike GOP 2016 presidential candidates Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Mike Huckabee, Rand Paul, Ben Carson, Rick Santorum, Scott Walker.

Florida State Senator Alan Hayes received a standing ovation as the Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC) recognized his accomplishments and dedication to successfully passing legislation to protect unborn children in Florida.

Sen. Hayes’ powerful leadership in the Florida Pro-Life movement was enthusiastically applauded.


Douglas Coggeshall
Ted Cruz Florida Grassroots Victory Campaign
Ted-Cruz-2016@Engineering-Excellence.US
(727) 485-6220

www.engineering-excellence.us/ted_cruz_2016_florida.html


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[afraidfortherepublic]

Scott walker takes 2nd in Oklahoma straw poll.

FReep mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.

[Diana in Wisconsin]

Love My Gov! BUMP!

[JustAmy]

I’m Cruzin with Cruz.

Use you heads and vote for Ted ... a true conservative!!

[Lumper20]

I like Walker.