I was a fan of Newt for years...then came the Pelosi/Couch thing and it rang my bell...hard, since I come from a landuse/OHV background. I was extremely miffed. So much so that I had no intention in supporting him if it came down to it.
Like many here, now that things are getting to brass tacks, I was forced to rethink my position. When I look at his actual record of accomplishment and the fact he had a 90+ rating on conservative issues while in office, I cannot throw out the baby with the bath water.
Further, the more time we spend arguing the details is less time spent working for solutions. Am I thrilled with Newt? Nope. Was and still am a Palin guy at heart. But I respect the good he HAS done and that good is considerable. That’s enough to get my support and my vote.
Am I holding my nose again? I once thought I was. But when I add the numbers up, I’m not really. I’m still pissed he botched my pet issue, but so be it.
Like many here, now that things are getting to brass tacks, I was forced to rethink my position. When I look at his actual record of accomplishment and the fact he had a 90+ rating on conservative issues while in office, I cannot throw out the baby with the bath water.
I know you probably remember when Newt was routinely mocked and criticized on FR for his wanderings off the conservative reservation. I posted a lot of that criticism, myself, but like you, I began to have a change of heart after I began listening to the man in present time, and doing an honest review of his record, versus some of his latter day positions.
A lot of folks have worried that we're replaying the 2008 primary, when FR wholeheartedly supported Fred Thompson for the nominee, then watched as he faltered and handed us McNuts.
The only thing that drew me in, was the addition of Sarah Palin to the ticket. Had McCain not done that, I'm not sure what I would have done in the election (besides dutifully placed my down-ticket votes). This time, it's different. I actually think that Newt is our guy, and can vote for him without holding my nose.
I'm still not as enthusiastic as I would have been for a Palin candidacy, but I can get behind this man, because I know that he's behind me.
Until Jim Robinson himself is ready to run for president Newt will have to do.
Go Newt go!!
On September 12, 2011, I met and got to personally speak with 5 of our candidates: Bachmann, Perry, Cain, Romney and Newt, at the after debate TEA Party Express party in Tampa, Florida.
At that time, I already liked Newt best, because he was nailing the debates, but I was still holding out for Sarah Palin!
I had hoped to go to Perry if Sarah Palin didn’t run, because I like governors best, but during the next debate, Perry uttered those unfortunate words, “you don’t have a heart,” and that was it for him.
Anyway, back to my story. At the time I met the candidates, Newt was in single digits, so when it was my turn to talk to him, we talked about the news media and the fact that conservatives err everytime they try to make media hosts and reporters like them, and then I complimented him on his debate performance, and told him with certainty that he was going to be the nominee!
Well, that set him back on his heels...lol. He asked me why I was so certain. I’ve regretted ever since, that I gave him such a silly answer, but I was in a silly mood: (His gray hair and Callista resembles Cindy McCain). Thankfully, he laughed.
Your complete statement expresses my feelings. When I lived in Atlanta Noot was my congressman (Clayton County)
As I said in an earlier post I will vote for Noot. Like you said I thought I would be holding my nose like when I voted for Yosimity Sam (McLaim) but Noot is head and shoulders above Yosimity.