Posted on 05/06/2007 12:05:17 PM PDT by Jim Robinson
[Giuliani, McCain and Romney all face problems with the grassroots activists in Iowa caucuses]
~~snip~~
Grassroots activists
In some ways, keeping up the interest level may be easier for the Republicans, because they have more to prove to their grassroots.
At least, that is true of those in Boone County, north of Des Moines, who I met at their monthly meeting in a room above the local public library.
These committed grassroots activists, who will vote in the caucuses and set the tone for the presidential race are - in general - from the socially conservative wing of the party.
For them, all three frontrunners - Arizona Senator John McCain, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney - are problematic, whether it's because they have been married more than once or, in the case of Romney, because they are of a different, Mormon faith.
Marti Streeter, the co-chair of the Boone County Republicans, said she could not vote for any of the three leading candidates - and if Mr Giuliani were the nominee, she would resign from the party.
Others, though, were less categorical. Tom Rosenbaum was among those who gave the former New York mayor high marks for his performance on 11 September 2001.
However, Mr Giuliani's three marriages prompted another activist, Matthew Murch, to say "if the choice was between Giuliani and Hillary, I'd write in Mickey Mouse as my candidate".
Senator McCain was accused of changing his mind on issues, but the candidate with most to do in Boone County seems to be Mitt Romney.
Unprompted, a majority of those in the room stated categorically that they would never vote for a Mormon.
"We are a Christian nation," Anne Darby said, "and we should have a Christian president."
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
>>However, Mr Giuliani’s three marriages prompted another activist, Matthew Murch, to say “if the choice was between Giuliani and Hillary, I’d write in Mickey Mouse as my candidate”.<<
That’s what bothers him most about Guiliani?!
Maybe was taken out of context and mentioned the marriages at the end of a long list.
I see a lot of people trying to make opposition to Romney as opposition to Mormonism. He’s got enough to shoot at without even looking at his faith. The guy is governor of the most liberal state in the union and is nearly as liberal as Giuliani.
To me Romney is the most conservative of the big 3 but that isn’t saying much. I like the consistency and strength of Hunter.
>>I see a lot of people trying to make opposition to Romney as opposition to Mormonism. He’s got enough to shoot at without even looking at his faith.<<
I can’t see that as a problem either.
First, I’d vote for a well qualified Jewish candidate so I’m certainly not going to reject someone for coming from a different part of the Church than I do.
Second, I agree that some Mormon ideas are wacky and suspect Joseph Smith had some personal ethics issues but if they worship and love the one God of Abraham, ask forgiveness in the name the Jesus, the Son and love and care for others then they are Christians following the most important commandments as explained by Jesus. The rest is details.
I pray every day for Thompson to run.
And some still want to pretend his religion is a non-issue.
Romney could win in massachusetts shoudl be a point in his favor not against it.
Romney is not nearly as liberal as Guliani, a number of issues - FMA, stem cells, abortion, taxes, Romney for cutting discretionary spending (declared at cpac), differences on approach to judges and Roe, etc. - separate them.
As for the Mormon issue driving primary voters - I simply refuse to believe it. 9 times out of 10 its liberal media making these claims as a concern but no substance is behind it.
I like the idea of a Romney/Hunter ticket.
I agree on that. Heck of ALL the candidates INCLUDING Fred Thompson, he’s the only one who married one woman and is still married to her.
I think I could hold my nose and vote for Romney. That’s more than I can do for Rudy and the nut.
Picture a Mormon walking up to the pulpit in a Southern Baptist church and saying, "I want to be your leader."
“Marti Streeter, the co-chair of the Boone County Republicans, said she could not vote for any of the three leading candidates - and if Mr Giuliani were the nominee, she would resign from the party”
See, Its not just the meanies at FR that wouldn’t ever vote for him.
>..Heck of ALL the candidates INCLUDING Fred Thompson, he’s the only one who married one woman and is still married to her.<
I beg your pardon, but Duncan Hunter has been married to the same woman for 33 years and counting. He has two well bred sons anyone would be proud of. He has personally served his country during war. He has a 26 year record of working with and building our military. He is a dedicated Christian gentleman. He definitely has fire in his belly, and the solutions for the nation’s ills with the stamina and determination to bring them into effect. What more could we possibly want? GO DUNCAN HUNTER!
Conservative conviction.
You go girl!!
Duncan Hunter is not a top tier candidate, and all your squawking will not make him one. I apply my comments to those who have a legitimate shot to win.
I admire Romney for his family life. He obviously has done something right when it comes to raising his 5 sons and handling the illness of his wife. I’ve seen them in interviews together and they seem like a solid couple. His kids seem devoted and “close” even though they are married with kids of their own.
Will I vote for him for President based on that alone... no...but if the choice comes down to Guiliana, McCain, or Romney...that would influence me.
If it’s a choice between any of them and Hillary, the only one I cannot support, because I think him to be genuinely unbalanced, is McLame. But my man is Fred Thompson . . . IF he’ll get in the damn race.
My squawking? You should be so well educated, and well written. Romney, himself, for your information, named Duncan Hunter as the best one on the debate the other night. Which proves that Romney has better vision than you do, LS. :o)
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