[Polycarp]

After Richard Land noted that the GOP’s flirting with homosexual activism “divides its friends and unites its enemies,” Racicot said, “I’m not as suspicious as you. I don’t have the agenda you think I have.”

John Willke told him that the GOP needs Democratic votes to win elections, and that many Democats have two “hot-button family issues — abortion and homosexuality.”

Paul Weyrich said that “we want a clear, strong, unequivocal statement” from the GOP that homosexuality is immoral. Wildmon of AFA also said a statement was needed, and that he was tired of watching the GOP drift in the same direction as the Democrats on the issue of homosexual activism. He noted that if the GOP continued on this path, “we would walk.” He explained that many pro-family voters would not necessarily vote Democratic instead, but just stay home. Gary Palmer noted that millions of evangelical Christians did not vote in the 2000 election, that a vast majority of evangelicals who did vote pulled the GOP lever, and that the razor-thin GOP presidential victory might not be repeated in 2004 if the GOP alienates even more Christians.

Ping

[lilylangtree]

Racicot (believe it's pronounced Roscoe) is a weasel.

[Leatherneck_MT]

Sorry

After living in Rascals Montana, I cannot believe a thing he says. Yes he was one of the most popular Governors this state has ever seen, but he's nothing but a Dim in Republican clothing IMHO.

Semper Fi

[Paraclete]

Keep the heat on. The politicians need a "backbone" check every now and then.

[RockBassCreek]

I agree with Racicot. His job is to meet with everyone. He should do it.

I think the family associations, such as Wildmon's, do good things, that they are the base, and that they have a better vision for American families.

At the same time, we must be open to participation by all manner of people. Is it possible to enforce a Christian morality in one area and not enforce it in others? Shouldn't Republicans have a plank about adulterers or About alcoholics if it has one about homosexuality? I don't say this facetiously.

If someone wants to start a Christian Conservative Party that has certain religious requirements for membership, then they have every right to do that and to run candidates from that party.

If, however, there is a greater liklihood of getting some of what you want with a secular POLITICAL party, then there's some leeway that needs to be given.

It's an extremely tough area to define.

[RAT Patrol]

Weak, but at least it's a start.

Racicot said, “I’m not as suspicious as you. I don’t have the agenda you think I have.” Not consciously, MAYBE, but he's aiding that agenda just the same.

I wonder if he is going ot prisons and meeting with those groups. Is he meeting with street gangs? Is he meeting with "swingers"? Maybe he would like to me with the KKK or NOW. I don't know, I bet we could name groups Racicot would refuse to meet with all day long.

[RJCogburn]

I'm with Marc.
Bauer is a bad joke.

[GrandMoM]

BUMP for later!

[UCFRoadWarrior]

This catering to the HomoPhilia agenda is stupid......why shoot yourself in the foot when you have such an advantage already.

Ronald Reagan was elected 2 terms as President because he never abandoned his core.......the GOP slips every time they try to "open up" to gay groups, illegal alien groups, and other groups that will never (in large numbers) ever vote GOP

If Christians stay home on Election Day in 2004......it may not cost the Presidency....it will cost the GOP the House and Senate

[tdadams]

Pity poor Marc Racicot. He's being called on the carpet by the hyper-paranoid, self-appointed guardians of the troglodyte wing of the Republican Party.

[eastsider]

I told Mr. Racicot that pro-family Americans viewed the homosexual activist agenda as a grave threat for two reasons: First, homosexuality hurts those who practice it.... health risks ... sexually transmitted diseases specific to homosexual conduct ...

The phrase "sexually transmitted diseases specific to homosexual conduct" really caught my attention, but without supporting evidence, it seems to be a reach. It's common sense that a greater incidence of STD's accompanies a greater incidence of promiscuity, but I have never heard of an STD that specifically targets same-sex promiscuity.

[montag813]

Racicot is an S.O.B. First he refused to run against Max Baucus, against whom he would have won a large victory and a desperately needed extra Senate seat for the GOP. Then he had to go coddle to the homos. I hope Bush is putting him as a "special adviser" to the 2004 campaign as a demotion. This guy is a real pussy.

[ninenot]

Is Racicot as stupid as he wants us to believe??

If so, what in tarnation is he doing at RNC Chair???

[mabelkitty]

I am uncomfortable.

Why is this article ignoring the fact that Racicot is also meeting with ex-homosexuals?

What is the agenda here? This concerns me that they are not being honest.

[mabelkitty]

Homosexuals are giving more money to the RNC.

Until these family groups start writing checks and contribute to the party other than making demands because they want to, they won't have a leg to stand on.

It goes both ways. Racicot, as much as I don't like him, has a job to do.

[jokemoke]

I'm a long-time member of the GOP base and I'm not feeling alienated. Makes me wonder who you consider to be "the GOP base".

[ChuckMartelRox]

Who thinks the GOP is waiting for just the right moment to put a knife in the back of its conservative Christian wing?

[k2blader]

Bump for later read and browse.

[Theodore R.]

“I would agree that is a matter of pause to me. I confess to some naivete.”

I'm not buying the line that Marc Racicot is naive. He is a seasoned hard-nosed politician -- the man G.W. Bush turned to secure the ballots in FL in November 2000. Racicot is conservative but he is NOT A CONSERVATIVE. And I don't think he believes in the family-values agenda other than to secure the votes for Bush in 2004 of those who accept this agenda. Racicot, if I am not mistaken, is a former Democrat. Perhaps there are elements of the "democratic process" that he can't shake loose even while serving as RNC chairman and soon as the new Bush campaign manager.

[CyberAnt]

Well ... I'm the BASE - and I'm not going anywhere.