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It's good, smart, outreach politics.

You're right, that may have been Davis's strategy. However, do you think it was right for Davis to say:

"[He is] one of the highest-maintenance candidates I’ve ever had." During his visit, Davis told Dickey "he had better ‘get some money in the bank’ - and fast - if he expected the national party to chip in.” [NY Times, 3/3/02]

I think this should have been a private conversation between Davis and Dickey. Why would he say this to the NYTimes, of all places?

Also, since when does being pro-abortion qualify as being socially conservative? From what I've read online, Judy Smith is still pro-abortion. Do you have information that indicates otherwise? Thanks.

No, he shouldn't have said those things publicly.

I had thought Smith was pro-life, but you are correct, she is not. I have seen various comments from her about the importance of family, self-reliance,etc. Still, her record as a Dem was quite liberal.

Smith has fines from the Federal Election Commission to pay off, and campaign debts. I still consider it a reasonable and smart move for GOP leaders to show Dems that the GOP can help them if they're willing to help the GOP.