Jewish support for GOP grows (Study: Religious group turning from traditional backing of Dems)

World Net Daily ^ | 9/10/03 | Jon Dougherty

[truthandlife]

An increasing number of Jewish Americans are backing Republicans in elections, though traditionally Jews, as a group, have overwhelmingly supported Democrats.

A study by the Republican Jewish Coalition found 2002 exit polling data showed an increase of 60 percent among Jews who supported the GOP.

In 2002, said RJC Executive Director Matthew Brooks, 35 percent of Jews who voted supported Republican candidates. That was up from the 21 to 26 percent during previous midterm elections.

"This data simply confirm what we have been saying all along," Brooks said. "Jewish voters are increasing their support for the Republican Party.

"Like other minorities, they resent being taken for granted and ignored by the Democrats. Jewish voters increasingly support Republican leadership on foreign policy and a broad range of other issues. That is translating into more Republican votes," he said.

The survey also found more voters identified themselves as Republicans between 1994 and 1998 while fewer said they were political independents. And, more women identified themselves as Republicans. Furthermore, twice as many respondents said they cast votes for Republican House members to support President Bush as did those who voted against GOP candidates to oppose him.

Other Republican activists also see an increase in support for the GOP.

Dr. Robert Eberle, president and CEO of Republican news and information website GOPUSA.com, told WorldNetDaily he also sees an increase in Jewish support for Republicans due to a number of factors, not the least of which is the GOP's traditional support for Israel.

"The Jewish community is finally starting to see that the Republican Party solidly supports Israel," he said. "Although we all strive for peace in the Middle East and believe that a lasting peace requires work by both the Israelis and Palestinians, we stand by Israel's right to defend itself from aggression and terrorism."

A related fact, he said, is "since 9-11, the Jewish community has seen that Republicans are tough on terror and are willing to take the fight to the terrorists. The Republican Party is the party of national defense, and I believe the Jewish community values that commitment to security."

The RJC believes the current drift to the GOP may be long-term.

"We are seeing a major shift in American political-party alliances," said Brooks. "We expect these realignment trends to continue."

[17th Miss Regt]

This is plausible, but I would like to see some solid exit poll numbers before I really believe it.

[Nonstatist]

Like other minorities, they resent being taken for granted and ignored by the Democrats.

Increasingly, the Dem Party will be the party of irredentist Islam in this country, IMO. Of course, it will be preceded by a strong drop in financial support for Dems by Jews, which hasnt happened yet.

[Peach]

Jewish support for Clinton is one of life's mysteries especially considering that Arafat was the most frequent White House visitor.

[reed_inthe_wind]

Antisemitism is showing itself to be a leftist phenomonon.

[reed_inthe_wind]

Antisemitism is showing itself to be a leftist phenomonon.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[driftless]

My prediction for the 2004 prez election is that Jews will vote for a Dem in the eighty percent range again. Despite this artice, I've seen no solid evidence to prove any different.

[curmudgeonII]

They're a day late and a dollar short.
But I guess better late than never.

[thoughtomator]

Well if anecdotal evidence helps, my Jewish family is almost entirely registered Republican now, whereas 10 years ago my father was the only one. Ironically, I think that as the most conservative member of my family I am the last one who is not registered GOP. (Independent voter here - plantations are nice to visit, but I wouldn't want to live on one.)

[labard1]

Look how long it took majorities of folks in the South to switch to the Republican party from the Democrats, despite having been the kicking boy for the national party since at least the 1940's. Change comes slowly. When change finally came, it remade the face of American politics.

[I'mAllRightJack]

I think that as the most conservative member of my family I am the last one who is not registered GOP.

What does that mean?

How can you be the most conservative in your family and not be a Republican?

How can you also be a Freeper and not be a Republican?

Anecdotally I'd like to have just some of my family and long time friends show some conservative leanings. Unfortunately they seem to think that pro-choice is the most important thing in the world, but how they also buy most of the leftist c**p. Its beyond my ken.

I have had to live this for decades and it's frustrating for a guy like me who has been to the right of Attila the Hun ever since Truman. Before then I didn't have the intellect to break away from the Liberal thought process.

[Walkingfeather]

besides monica

[faithincowboys]

Wonderful, just as the tribe is shrinking! Well, I hope it happens, but SHOW ME!!

[curmudgeonII]

Well, I hope it happens, but SHOW ME!!

Well put. The only thing that counts is what happens at the ballot box.

[faithincowboys]

By the way, who is giving Dean all his money?

[thoughtomator]

To answer your first question, I'm not a Republican because the GOP disgusts me with its corruption. (It doesn't disgust me nearly as much as the D's though, but I'm still staying independent.)

Plenty of Freepers are not Republicans. Lots of Libertarians, Constitutionalists, and even frustrated conservative Democrats, plus plenty of independent voters.

[driftless]

Congratulations, that's nice to know. I wish it were true that Jews are making a big swing away from liberalism, but I'm very cynical when it comes to predictions of voter conversions. I've talked to my socially conservative (strong anti-abortion) and very religious parents about their persistent Dem voting habits until I'm blue in the face. They still refuse to change voter affiliation. They were born Dems, and they'll die Dems. I'm afraid that too many others like them feel the same way. And Jews approve of abortion more than any other ethnic group in America. Even conservative's strong defense of Israel will not sway them and long as Republicans remain pro-life.

[jackbob]

How can you be the most conservative in your family and not be a Republican?

How can you also be a Freeper and not be a Republican?

Are you kidding? You are joking of course.