ZAHM: What is a RINO?

The Illinois Leader ^ | July 02, 2003 | Jon Zahm

[Kuksool]

ZAHM: What is a RINO?

Wednesday, July 02, 2003

By Jon Zahm (jon@goliathslayers.com)

OPINION -- A topic that has been going around the political discussion boards over the last few months is, “What is a RINO?” First, we need to understand that the general answer to this question is: “Republican in Name Only.” The more difficult posit is: How does one earn this label?

My definition of a RINO is a political figure, elected or volunteer, that self-identifies as a “Republican”, but then supports candidates and position statements that are out of line with the National Republican Party Platform. That is a document that is drafted every four years at the National Party Convention by a large group of delegates from throughout the United States. It should be considered the official document governing the Republican Party, just like the bylaws of an organization or corporation.

The Republican Party I know -- the Party of Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln -- is pro-life, pro-Second Amendment gun owner rights, opposed to higher taxes and expanding government, and for equal rights for every one, special rights for no one. Therefore, I will characterize someone as a RINO who does not recognize or endorse these key positions.

This does not mean that people of opposing views cannot be Republican, they just should recognize that they do not deserve leadership control at the table with regard to party affairs. Real Republicans, with Republican values, will stand against any effort for the others to try and make their more liberal agenda, which belongs in the Democrat Party, the prevailing viewpoints of the Republican Party.

Some people mistake a person who will occasionally support a Democrat or Libertarian for a RINO. This is incorrect. If someone supports a more conservative candidate from another Party, they are simply recognizing that the person posing as a Republican is doing a disservice to the Party and should be punished. It is the values and beliefs of the candidate that ultimately matter, not if they claim the good name of the Party as cover for their left-leaning beliefs.

Another good reason to reject a Republican Party candidate is if they are corrupt or dishonest. RINOs are most often found in heavily Republican and conservative areas where opportunistic politicians pose as Republicans as the only way to be relevant in the political process.

Another type of RINO is a politician who gives lip service to values like pro-life, but then, at every opportunity, endorses candidates for office with pro-abortion views. This is a particularly dangerous type of RINO, because they are able to fleece many people into thinking that they have some degree of character and values, when, in fact, they are enabling others to weaken the key tenets of the Republican Party.

Organizations like TAPROOT (Traditions and Practices that Republicans Often Overlook Today) and Republicans for Republican Values should be commended for the work they do in trying to preserve real Republican principles.

Who are RINOs in today’s Republican Party? Rather than name names and make this an argument over personalities more than ideas, I will defer to you to make that judgment. I will say, however, that the Republican Primary is the place to sort this out, and we should never fall into the trap of avoiding a primary because “that is the only kind of person that can be elected.” Voters appreciate honesty, integrity, and consistency more than “feel good” positions, pandering, and wishy-washy views.

If the Republican Party could attract more men and women of unwavering conservative Republican principles to run for public office, we would see unprecedented successes. Otherwise, if we continue to try and be more like the Democrats, failure will continue.

[Huck]

I will say, however, that the Republican Primary is the place to sort this out, and we should never fall into the trap of avoiding a primary because “that is the only kind of person that can be elected.” Voters appreciate honesty, integrity, and consistency more than “feel good” positions, pandering, and wishy-washy views.

But be prepared to pay for it. See NJ and Bret Schundler.

[ex-snook]

"supports candidates and position statements that are out of line with the National Republican Party Platform."

Does that cover those with Dolexia?

[JoeSixPack1]

AW shucks! I came here looking for the list of names! :-)

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[stylin19a]

What if items in the National Republican Party Platform are RINO ?

[martin_fierro]

RINOs:

[End Times Sentinel]

 ⁼

Owl_Eagle

”Guns Before Butter.”

[Kuksool]

Ping!

[jjm2111]

"Who are RINOs in today’s Republican Party? "

Hey, I'll name names.

Olympia Snowe
Arlen Specter
Mike Bloomberg - Super Hillary Voting RINO
Christie Whitman
Rudy Giuliani (on some issues)

I'm sure there's more.

[kinsman redeemer]

thistle bee good Ping

[Just another Joe]

Voters appreciate honesty, integrity, and consistency more than “feel good” positions, pandering, and wishy-washy views.

How true.

[Pest]

Don't forget John McCain.

[Gabrielle Reilly]

read later.

[Egregious Philbin]

It is the job of Representatives and Senators to represent their constituents. The term "RINO" suggests allegiance to party should come first. One might call Olympia Snowe a RINO, but perhaps she's the only type of Republican people in Maine would be inclined to vote for?

[bigfootbob]

Where's Arlen "Scottish Law" Sphincter's mug?

[Digger]

What if items in the National Republican Party Platform are RINO

You can go to the other faction of the "Two-Party Cartel"? But they are even worse! Well, charlie, it is way overdue that you find a 3rd party & show these b@$tards that their game is up.

[CFC__VRWC]

A few more entries for the RINO Hall of Shame -

[Digger]

You show 5 RINOs here. There are many more closet ones. Guarantee you that if/when a truly meaningful conservative issue comes about & one vote could put it in the ash can just be prepared a so-called conservative will change his vote to deny it. This IS the game in the "Two-Party Cartel". Their "money people" ie elites do NOT want the conservative agenda to flourish as it hurts their agenda. You have seen it in the past & you will see it in the future. Just keep putting these repulicrates back in.