Posted on 06/29/2004 9:02:21 AM PDT by kjfpolitical
As the August primary for Floridas U.S. Senate race draws near, the election is turning out to be a two-way race between former U.S. congressman Bill McCollum and Mel Martinez, President Bushs former secretary of housing.
Though Martinez entered the race late, he has gained considerably despite McCollum's name recognition and large campaign war chest. McCollum ran for the Senate in 2000 but lost to Democrat Bill Nelson in an increasingly Republican state.
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Now Martinez's growing support appears to becoming from those in McCollum's conservative base who think he has the best shot in replacing retiring Democrat Sen. Bob Graham. Washington Republicans believe that with a close election likely in November, the Cuban-born Martinez will draw Latino voters to the GOP and help President Bush.
Conservatives have been upset that McCollum recently joined with liberal legislators such as Sen. Teddy Kennedy to call for stem cell research on human embryos. The pro-life Martinez says he will vote to ban such practices, which, as the Associated Press has pointed out, are not a priority among scientists.
Conservatives were similarly angry during the 2000 election when McCollum came out strongly for the liberal version of the "hate crimes" bill, also pushed by Kennedy, that included "sexual orientation."
The gay lobby strongly supported the inclusion, but conservatives note that crimes such as assault and murder are of course already illegal and that such laws can be used to persecute and prosecute what the left deems to be thought crimes.
The Washington Blade reported on Sept. 1, 2000, "Democratic Party supporters of the hate crimes measure, including openly Gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), said they welcome McCollum's effort, saying that, until now, House GOP leaders have been the main obstacle to final approval of the hate crimes legislation ."
Some conservatives believe that McCollum's loss in 2000 in the same state President Bush narrowly won was due to his wobbly stand on issues that turned off social conservatives.
Martinez opposes the Senate's recently passed "hate crimes" bill. The Senate passed the bill only after it was tacked onto a defense authorization bill because Senate Democrats did not have the votes for passage in a straight up and down vote.
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That does it for me. The earlier question being asked in FR was whether Mel Martinez was conservative enough. After this latest move by McCollum I wouldn't touch him with a ten foot pole.
What on earth was he thinking of? People sometimes sacrifice principles for political advantage, but this will just turn off his base.
actually I wish conservative Byrd had a shot.
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What the hell is going on with McCollum????
While I initally supported Byrd, he doesn't seem to be getting any traction statewide. I will be taking a closer look at Martinez.
GO MEL GO!!!
Mel Martinez supporters Enthusiastic Mel Martinez supporters show their spirit at the Strawberry Festival Parade in beautiful Hillsborough County.
Looking for a deep pocket sponsor in Florida... anybody out there??
Looking for a deep pocket sponsor in Florida... anybody out there??
It wasn't so long ago here that Bush was getting slammed for backing a "RINO", Martinez, against a strong conservative, McCollum. Amazing what a few months can do to the big picturea
too bad Scarborough didnt stick around long enough, he would get in easily
Your beef is with state Senators, who are elected to deal with state issues.
Conservatives were similarly angry during the 2000 election when McCollum came out strongly for the liberal version of the "hate crimes" bill, also pushed by Kennedy, that included "sexual orientation."
Beyond these two examples, is McCollum really moving left?
This article reads like a press release from a McCollum's opponent.
I might vote for Martinez in the primary, but I don't like cheap shots among Republicans.
I agree, Byrd interests me the most. McCollum and Martinez both strike me as Washington insiders; we need to send a non-Washington politician.
Then be glad you don't live in my district in Ohio. The liberal Republicans here are waring against conservative Republicans big time. Recently, my conservative commissioner was called a liar and a crook by a Republican liberal who wants his seat. Once these liberals become ingrained in the Republican Party, the conservatives have had it.
Then be glad you don't live in my district in Ohio. The liberal Republicans here are waring against conservative Republicans big time. Recently, my conservative commissioner was called a liar and a crook by a Republican liberal who wants his seat. Once these liberals become ingrained in the Republican Party, the conservatives have had it.
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