Posted on 11/24/2008 1:50:19 PM PST by lewisglad
"We've gone so far to the social right, particularly in caucus attendees, that unless you meet certain litmus tests you have a very difficult time competing in Iowa," said Doug Gross, the party's 2002 gubernatorial nominee. "I think you'll have some candidates who won't compete here unless they perceive that's somehow changed."
David Roederer, who headed John McCain's Iowa campaign, agreed.
"I would not encourage a moderate to come right now and participate in the caucuses," Roederer said. "It is a danger for the party, and it is a danger for the future of the caucuses."
Or as conservative state Rep. Christopher Rants put it: "Huckabee won the caucuses, but he couldn't go the distance. Maybe some people will bypass Iowa."
Of course, candidates who meet the standard laid down by social conservatives seem eager to swoop into the state. Later this week, 2008 caucus winner Mike Huckabee will hold events in the state as part of a book tour, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal has planned appearances a couple of days later.
Both are targeting those social conservatives, a competition that's intensified with the emergence of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
Palin was little known in Iowa until last summer, when she was named presidential candidate John McCain's running mate. She drew big crowds at events in several Iowa cities in the last six weeks of the campaign.
"She connected with a lot of people," Roederer said. "The person who has to be the most concerned is Huckabee. He was the only social conservative back then."
In a telephone interview, Huckabee played down speculation that he was starting early in Iowa due to conservative pressure from Palin.
(Excerpt) Read more at google.com ...
Isn’t the GOP doing a pretty good job of undermining its own self?
We need to start a “Chuck Huck” movement now.
A danger for RINO's running for President!
Dump the caucuses!
The GOP has learned nothing.
They stubbornly continue on their way over the cliff of oblivion.
How about we switch all Republican contests to caucuses and make them “closed” that way we can eliminate all RINOS.
As an Iowa Consevative (fiscal and social) I hope the RINOs do not come here. If the Republican party continues down the line of trying to promote RINOs instead of conservatives I will be an independent by the next straw poll anyway.
The RINO way is what has nearly killed the GOP but those at teh top seem to want to continue down that failed path.
And tie Mitt Romney to him as he is tossed...
Maybe a few more real Conservatives in every race and the GOP could repossess the RNC from its typical MORAL COWARDICE.
We need to constantly remind people that Social Conservatism = Moral Right. The pagans will howl. That’s why God invented earplugs.
Nice premise the AP comes from. How about, “Iowa Conservatives vow to Save the Party”.
why does it state he got the conservative vote as he never he got the evangelical vote .
He was never going to win
YEA!! Or at least give the caucuses some authority. Now they are just window dressing of democracy. In caucus states the party elite make all the real decision.
I don’t know the best way to pick a candidate but I know the way the Republicans do it now is the WORST way.
Make all contests closed primaries. Limit it to people who have been party afiliated for at least 10 years and continuous residents in their respective states for justas long. That ought to solve the problem as to whop should represent the GOP, otherwise it don’t mean sh*t.
It is all about BIG FARM & Ethanol subsidies. Republicans have lost Iowa.
Sioux City Journal
Democrat Web site raps McCain on farm issues
By Charlotte Eby Journal Des Moines Bureau | Posted: Wednesday, August 06, 2008
DES MOINES — The Iowa Democratic Party has launched a Web site criticizing Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s opposition to ethanol subsidies and the recent farm bill.
The site, McCainVsIowa.com, highlights McCain’s record on issues they say are important to working families and farmers.
“The record is clear: when given the opportunity, Sen. McCain has actively fought legislation critical to the economic growth of the state of Iowa,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Scott Brennan. “He has sided with oil companies over Iowa biofuels, and called the farm bill, which provides an important safety net to Iowa farmers, ‘corporate welfare.’”
The Web site includes a video with clips of McCain vowing to veto the farm bill if he were president and criticizing ethanol subsidies.
Democrats launched the Web site just days before McCain is scheduled to visit the Iowa State Fair, a showcase of Iowa’s agricultural heritage.
Chris Taylor, a spokesman with the Republican National Committee, said McCain has a long history of voting against subsidies.
“He continues to be a man of conviction, and he’s always stood by that,” Taylor said.
He added McCain has put forward “common sense plans” to help Iowans and farmers with the rising prices of energy and gas.
...and, of course, that is why they run as Republicans; to guarantee that a conservative won't be elected. That is their purpose in life.
here’s a thought
only republicans can vote instead of the way NH goes voting in a RINO both times
I hate Iowa.
here’s a thought
only republicans can vote instead of the way NH goes voting in a RINO both times
forget the Dems and forget the independents
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