Palin-bashing CPAC/ACU Chair donated $2,000 to Arlen Specter, endorsed Romney

opensecrets.org ^ | 7/9/09 | Antonnius

[Antoninus]

David Keene, the Chairman of the American Conservative Union trashed Sarah Palin publicly today on NewsMax. However, a quick search of Mr. Keene's recent political contribution history reveals the following:

David Keene, Managing Associate of the Carmen Group Lobbying Firm, and Head of ACU, Alexandria, VA.

Political contributions in 2008 election cycle:

KEENE, DAVID, ALEXANDRIA,VA 22314 THE CARMEN GROUP/EXEC 5/1/07 $1,000 Specter, Arlen (R)

KEENE, DAVID, ALEXANDRIA,VA 22314 THE CARMEN GROUP/EXEC 12/19/07 $800 Specter, Arlen (R)

KEENE, DAVID, ALEXANDRIA,VA 22314 THE CARMEN GROUP/EXEC 12/19/07 $200 Specter, Arlen (R)

What I want to know is, how does a guy like this get to be the chairman of the ACU? Has the American Conservative Union turned into the American Liberal Republicans Who Are Now Democrats Union when we weren't looking? Apparently so.

That said, if I were Sarah Palin, I'd take this guy's advice and toss it in the bin with the rest of the fish guts.

[GOPToad]

Little known fact, David Keane’s wife if a pro-abortion, card-carrying RINO. I know her. Reasonably pleasant lady as RINOs go.

[kittymyrib]

With supporters of Specter/Romney against her, no wonder Sarah is favored by 72% of Republicans.

[CharlesWayneCT]

I remember discussing that before. I wonder if he still thinks Specter is honest and can be taken at his word after his flip-flop on the “stimulus” and then switching over to the Democratic party?

I wonder if Keene is joining those asking for their money back?

As one who speaks about those who talk personally to candidates, I will say that it seems sometimes being FRIENDS with candidates (as opposed to being a disinterested observer who gets one-on-one time with them) seems to make some people overly accepting of what the candidate tells them). Whether it’s the natural inclination to trust people you know, or it’s the sheer thrill of being friends with someone in power, I can’t say.

[redhead]

"ENOUGH WITH THE PALIN PICTURES! I feel like such a hag looking at them."

LOL! Boy, do I ever know the feeling! Every time I see a closeup and look at her gorgeous complexion, I want to cry. Heh. She's got SERIOUS babe-ness.

[ejonesie22]

I'm shocked!

Really, I am...

[Antoninus]

And if you posted Romney’s campaign platform without a name on it, you’d get widespread approval here at FR for the conservative positions he was espousing.

His platform is not the problem. His credibility is. The man simply can not be trusted. He's not a conservative, though he does play one (occasionally) on TV.

Many people who had a chance to sit down and speak directly with Romney came away believing he would do what he said he would do in his campaign.

No doubt. Those people are called "dupes."

I have no idea why Keene would give money to Specter in 2007, although the amounts are rather small.

Gee, can't even speculate why he would donate $2,000 in an off year to one of the most liberal members of the GOP who would subsequently turn Democrat? No idea? Really?

Give it up. Romney. Specter. Keene. Guys like this are part of the problem. The sooner they disappear from the scene, the better for conservatives.

[Soul Seeker]

I’m simply shocked. Who would have guessed his view might not be impartial.

[kittymyrib]

Everyone who has ever given a donation to ACU needs to bombard them with demands that this RINO resign his post. How in the world did such a guy wind up heading a conservative organization?

[ken5050]

FYI...during last year’s preesidential campaign I stuck a bright red PALIN POWER bumper sticker on the rear of my SUV. The last few days, since her resignation, I’ve easily had 25 people, or more..total strangers..come up to me in parking lots, shooping centers, and give me a thumbs up, and also tell me that they hope she runs. I’m in Tampa, and I suspect that conservatives may be coming out of the woodwork....the Fla GOP sen primary is going to be huge..

[Leisler]

"Not to be outdone, Massachusetts’s Mitt Romney, whom many believe could retire the 2008 pandering cup before he’s through, assures conservative audiences wherever he finds them that he’s pro-life, essentially pro-gun and horrified by homosexuality, previous statements or actions notwithstanding. Anything he said or did previous to deciding to run for president, he implies, should be taken as a reflection of what he had to do because of the circumstances in which he found himself rather than of his core beliefs."

David A. Keene

Dance of the GOP Pander Bears February 13, 2007

[Antoninus]

Not to be outdone, Massachusetts’s Mitt Romney, whom many believe could retire the 2008 pandering cup before he’s through, assures conservative audiences wherever he finds them that he’s pro-life, essentially pro-gun and horrified by homosexuality, previous statements or actions notwithstanding.

And yet, the same Mr. Keene (Specter supporter) went out and endorsed Romney later in the same year. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.

[Leisler]

How come if he’s such a conservative, He’s never come on FR?

What are we, chopped liver? Not good enough?

His writing is boring, boilerplate, NR regurgitation’s.
He’s a hack.

He has been at the head of the ACU (how?) 25 years.

[haircutter]

could some one please post Keene e-mail addy, or mailing address??
THANKS in advance
Carole

[allmendream]

“He’s [Specter] willing to climb out of his foxhole and take on the opposition”

LOL.

When Senator Specter crawled out of his “fox hole” and approached the other side; it was NOT to engage them in battle but to SWITCH SIDES.

[Lancey Howard]

And if you posted Romney’s campaign platform without a name on it, you’d get widespread approval here at FR for the conservative positions he was espousing.

Therein lies the problem. Romney is a chameleon who cannot be trusted. The ultimate "whichever way the wind blows" scumbag politician.

By the way:

[Antoninus]

Meet David Keene, the fresh face of the Conservative movement:

[JerseyDvl]

Since everything you said is true there is no doubt that the Statist Media will try to force this guy on us.

[hoosiermama]

Keene, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia,

Enough said Beltway conservative.
Sick-em Sarah!

[Antoninus]

Here you go:

keened@carmengroup.com

[La Enchiladita]

Thanks for linking the original comments by Keene so I could read them. He did not bash or trash Sarah Palin. He stated the obvious and gave wise advice. He also noted that she cancelled on her speaking engagement at CPAC2009 after she had confirmed. She and her people could not even manage to deliver a video appearance.

I have never seen statements from Palin that she is a conservative. She has claimed to be a ‘maverick.’ I also don’t know what her position is on the crucial issues of the day: socialized medicine, cap and trade and nuclear disarmament.... all of which issues she is distracting us from with her drama.

We need to be contacting Reps and Senators to work on legislation to stem the tide of socialism in the U.S. When Palin decides what she plans to do next, she will let us know. Personally, I am more interested in the welfare of my country.