Comment by CAS
October 26, 2009 @ 10:07 am

"Across the country, Republicans are scratching their heads and wondering, "How in the world did we end up with Scozzafava?""

"How in the world did we end up with McCain?"

Comment by dbrivers
October 26, 2009 @ 10:10 am

The problem is that the bulk of the Republican "leadership" aren't much better than the Dems. In fact, we have leadership positions, but the people filling them can hardly be called leaders. We need a change of people to get real leaders in place, to include removing incumbants. We need leaders not a bunch of weak-kneeded whimps and Dems/liberals masquerading as Republicans.

Comment by CAS
October 26, 2009 @ 10:14 am

The once great Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, also endorses Scozzafava! That's what's wrong! Principles are a thing of the past. Sarah Palin on the other hand is supporting the Conservative candidate! Go Sarah!

Comment by Shozbot
October 26, 2009 @ 10:26 am

The Republican Congressional Committee did the same thing in PA 13th District. They supported Melissa Brown, while the local Republicans supported someone else who was a better and smarter candidate and had won local and state elections. The RCC supported a Dentist who had never run before or won an election. That is why we have Alyson Schwartd D-13th.

Once they get to Washington and drink the Kool Aid of the Beltway they lose their sense of reason for being there. That is why the Party is wandering. Steele doesn't help. Nor does Collins or Snowe. MCain is no conservative.

It is time for an entire party makeover. And keep making it over until they listen to the base, instead of the talking heads and the media.

Comment by TREX
October 26, 2009 @ 10:32 am

Some months ago the RNC sent me an email questionaire asking some of the dumbest questions you could imagine. They were attempting to "reconnect" with the base. One example (to paraphrase): 'should Republicans, in the House and Senate oppose the sweeping reforms put forth by Democrats?" My response, without answering the questions, to Mr. Steele was the same as yours; GET A CLUE!

How disappointing when a political party surveys its constituents by asking questions that makes you want to say DUH! It's too bad the system is so stacked that Independents can rarely get the money or recognition to put up a decent challenge to these incumbent boneheads that occupy the two major parties.

My better judgement tells me to prepare myself for more disappointment in the coming elections.

Comment by Hillman1935
October 26, 2009 @ 10:38 am

Almost daily I receive begging letters from Republican Party headquarters. I write in magic marker on every one that they will not receive one more cent from me ever again until they follow the US Constitution and represent my values. I send each one back which not costs them postage and hopefully someone tallies such protests and reports to the money guys at the GOP. Suggest we all donate directly to individual candidates who have proven with actions (if already elected) or pledges we approve of (if new candidates) and never again to national party. These jerks have no allegiance to the Constitution and only understand keeping their personal power and influence! No more money they will understand.

Comment by abclarke
October 26, 2009 @ 10:39 am

History lesson. Contract With America is why we won the way we did in 1994. We still have to do the right thing, even when Democrats are stinking. We have to offer the Constitutional perspective and policy, not just "Democrats Lite." The Contract was brilliant not only because it was Constitutional and conservative, but because it united 350 candidates behind the Constitution. The philosophy of pork trading is what kept Democrats in power for 60 years in Congress, and why they feared fiscal conservatism. A single candidate has a lot of trouble running on "less pork." Pork is things people want and are conditioned to playing the game to get without regard to the good of the nation. A single conservative will get run over and frozen out if he doesn't play. But 350 candidates united pose a credible promise of changing how Congress governs. We win. Then the old crocs start to believe the Beltway press. After the 10 points are voted on in 100 days, the old crocs run like hell the other way. I haven't seen a credible attempt at a contract with America for 15 years. Still waiting. Should be a new contract every term, including what wasn't passed last term. This is the formula for GOP victory. And when we win,it's not merely that we are now in charge of pork.

Comment by Stargazer
October 26, 2009 @ 10:39 am

The republican party is clueless. I no longer contribute to the republican party because it has lost it's way. Newt Gingrinch supporting this so called republican in New york made it clear to me that he will not be my choice for a republican nominee for President. It is obvious that the republican losses have not had an impact on the party.

Comment by BFeher
October 26, 2009 @ 10:46 am

There are no leaders in the GOP!

Comment by Blue Star Mom
October 26, 2009 @ 10:47 am

The GOP leadership is most definitely out of touch with its base. I give to candidates NOT to committees who think they know what is best for us and actually haven't the foggiest notion of what their base wants. . WE WANT CONSERVATIVES! How Newt can go around touting conservative principles at conventions ie- CPAC 2009- and then endorse Scozzafava is hypocrisy. We get enough elitism from obama- we don't need it from our GOP "leaders."

Comment by MikeJBurg
October 26, 2009 @ 10:48 am

The Republicans do not have a clue how to take back the Country. They are out of touch with the people the same as the Democrats. There is no Leadership, period and all they ask for is MONEY. We nee bright, exciting new Leadership and one with new ideas. Old timers like McCain no longer represent the Party. We need people who are articulate and have integrity and have the ability to speak and present our positions. Also, exactly how we will turn our Country around by creating new jobs AND EXACTLY HOW WE WILL CREATE THE NEW JOBS and REVERSE SPENDING. Now, is an opportunity to do just that. BUT WE NEED STRONG, NEW LEADERSHIP AND WHEN WE FIND IT, SUPPORT IT!!!!!

Comment by Tailgunner
October 26, 2009 @ 10:56 am

Republicans CAN win - but only if....

The bulk of the Republican party was not abandoned by the electorate - they abandoned us. By making "compromises" that were actually thinly veiled capitulation to the liberals. That is not bi-partisanship, that is rolling over and playing dead.

Think back - what was the one thing that ignited the Republicans and put them into the hearts and minds of the American people? The Contract With America. It contained the values and direction that the American voters wanted and desperately craved from their government. Then, in just a few short years, the Republican party abandoned it and either became "me too only more so" along with the Democrats, or in many cases unabashedly succeeding in out-Democrating the Democrats.

It is high time the Republicans started nominating people for ALL offices based on their principles and ideals. Electable people that the public craves. The days of putting people up for office because it is "their turn" must come to an abrupt and screeching halt. 2 good examples are Bob Dole and John McCain. It was "their turn". So what! They were NOT electable - so Republicans lost! But hey - at least they got "their turn"....

Look what the Democrats did. It was "Hillary's turn" - but did she win the nomination? No! The Democratic leadership summarily abandoned her with anything other than a little lip service, and put in the man they had been grooming, Obama. And they won.

When are the RNC and the Republican leadership going to clamp down on people in the party like Snowe, Collins, and others - and either get them in line with Republican ideas and ideals, or back candidates who can clobber renegade RINOs like Snowe and Collins, among others, in the primaries and then in elections?

As is stands, Americans are sick to death of government that only wants to hear from them on April 15th. BOTH parties are guilty, but Republicans can, and must, reverse that mindset in the hearts of the American people - and then STICK WITH IT.

Does Michael Steele have what it takes to do that job? If he doesn't, once again the Republicans put the wrong person in place. If he does have the mettle, he damned well better start showing it and living it - like yesterday - and prove to the American people that Republicans are on their side!

Comment by hjb2730
October 26, 2009 @ 11:06 am

Here is a 2 page report on what is happening in NY 23.
http://tcotreport.com/23ny1.html
It tells everything, hard to think it could come to this.
I am DONE with Nute the Back stabber.this is EXACTLY what is wrong with the PARTY.

Comment by pljjw
October 26, 2009 @ 11:12 am

Today there is no difference between the Democrat and Republican politicians in Washington. Most are socialists who wear their donkey and elephant holloween costumes all year long.

Comment by tgclark
October 26, 2009 @ 11:20 am

I guess they do not want their jobs come the next election. They better start listening to the people and not what they want. Besides the government does not have the right to dictate to "We the People", we are their bosses not the other way around. I have been changing my opinions about Newt for quite a while now - he does not seem to be a real conservative anymore. I agree with Sarah Palin, Fred Thompson and others that have given support for him, we need his kind of conservatism, vote for Doug Hoffman you people up in NY.

Comment by jnfrancis
October 26, 2009 @ 11:23 am

Actually, it may be time for us to clean house in the Republican ranks, as well as throwing out the socialists. It appears that many incumbent Republicans and many of the "hopeful" candidates haven't been listening. It is time for politicians to actually represent Americans.

To the Republican Pary: No more conservatives in name only! If you can't listen to us, your constituents, you won't be there very much longer.

Comment by Tucker Scofield
October 26, 2009 @ 11:24 am

Bobby, it's rather bizarre that you wrote this column today because I was considering this very subject on my way into work this morning. Although there ARE Republicans out there carrying the conservative flag - Boehner, Bachman, Price, and Linder come to mind - this disaster with Dede Scozzafava epitomizes the "big tent" mentality that the Republican party continues to hold onto. The Republican party has been hijacked by these "moderates" just like the Democrat party has been hijacked by the ultra-left, and I don't like it one bit.

Michael Steele, PAY ATTENTION: The Republican party power brokers are perceived by the base as a bunch of little whiny-babies who are scared of being called names. They're worried about being called "neo-cons" or "right-wing extremists" or "ultra-conservatives" when MOST OF THE POPULATION RELATES TO CONSERVATIVE VALUES!! Be men, for God's sake...take a stand and don't apologize!

I share the feelings of "CAS"...how did we end up with McCain??? He didn't represent me, and he didn't represent MOST Americans, which is a big part of why we have this MARXIST in office right now. "Moderate" is the political equivalent of a limp-wristed handshake! Man up.

Sarah could - and should - single-handedly start the "Conservative Party" or something similar, and she could very possibly win given the RNC's crappy performance in recent years. You keep asking me for money, RNC?? Start reflecting my values and you'll get it. Until then, you're just another politician looking to screw me.

Sarah Palin has more b*lls than ANY of the decision-makers at the RNC. You'd better find 'em gentlemen, or risk losing what little power you still have left.

Comment by wwbockjr
October 26, 2009 @ 11:26 am

Great piece. I know it, you know it, why doesn't the NY Republican Party "pull the plug"??? It's political suicide to support that dork. This only furthers the long hard slog of having to create a viable third party out there.

Comment by ammabev
October 26, 2009 @ 11:29 am

How about a Republican ticket with Mike Reagan and Sarah Palin? No more "establishment" candidates.

Comment by wpmills
October 26, 2009 @ 11:33 am

The Republicans don't have a clue at present. Keep sending me messages wanting money to help them defeat the Democrats. Unless the Republicans are different than the Democrats why bother? What happened to principles? With very few exceptions, they don't have any principles, EXCEPT, win at any cost!

Comment by ngttia
October 26, 2009 @ 11:40 am

I agree with all the above and can hardly add to it. We all seem to saying 'someone should do something about it' but no one is getting anything done. The problem is the GOP leaders will hardly step down. They are power obsessed themselves. Cut off their funds!!! Donate directly to those you support. If they screw up the 2010 elections, I'll have already left them, so don't blame me. Newt, Steele, McCain, and that limp-wristed Lindsey Graham have to go. If the other so-called Republicans won't do something soon in time to affect the 2010 elections they need to go, also. I simply won't wait any longer to see positive action. Go Sarah. Now, there's someone with her manhood intact.

Comment by Mal Mauney
October 26, 2009 @ 11:41 am

Yes, the Contract with America did unite the people behind it, BUT, then the NEWT(a type of lizard) promptly sold it out and disgusted many of us and the newly elected congressmen.
The NEWT, joined the CFR establishment and in collaboration with Clinton, gave us NAFTA. Now, he is trying to position himself as a "leader" and a candidate for president in 2012 - GOD HELP US!- and shows his true NEWT colors (chameleon)by endorsing the liberal candidate in NY.
We must NIX the Newt and any others like him!

Comment by KKateme
October 26, 2009 @ 11:42 am

The GOP better wake up quick. The country needs a leader, a voice of reason, someone who can bring us back to prosperity and someone who loves America. Let's not kid ourselves. Many who voted for Obama have voter's remorse. It's not only Republicans who are longing for someone to get us out of the current mess we are in. Democrats and Independents are appalled at the hyjinks that are going on now in our country. If we put forth a leader, they would follow. GOP - stop putting forth and supporting "middle of the road" candidates. The country is craving conservative leadership to bring us back to what made us great and prosperous. GIVE US A LEADER.

Comment by camper
October 26, 2009 @ 11:44 am

In all the RNC surveys I have filled out, I tell the RNC to get its act together, but no, it is still the blind leading the blind. Why contribute to a party that does not know what it is doing. Sara Palin is indeed a shining light of hope.

Comment by Val Blount
October 26, 2009 @ 11:45 am

Wondering why I have stopped donating? Because YOU'RE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO STOP THIS MADNESS. Where are Republican leaders! Just being there doesn't cut it. Oh and thanks for the raise you gave yourselves at the expense of those who have to PAY for health care substandard to YOURS! This raise is blatant theft from Americans going without as you line your pockets. Disgruntled? You betcha. No more incumbants will get my vote in the future...time to clean up Washington. Where are people who have OUR best interest at heart? We'll find 'em. Just wait.

Comment by Michigan Righty
October 26, 2009 @ 11:47 am

THe only good thing about Obama being elected president was that the country gets a good look at what liberals want to accomplish. Republicans need to take advantage of this golden opportunity in time, much like we did circa the Reagan years. We need to quit acting like democrats and start pounding home our conservative message. Wake up!!

Comment by SW
October 26, 2009 @ 12:00 pm

Contemporary Republicans have bought into the (false) premise that the Government must solve all problems. The difference between them and the Democrats is a matter of degree. Reaching out to Liberals is comparable to negotiating with a mugger over how much of your money he's entitled to steal. This country must restore the concept of limited government and personal responsibility as the prime objective. For the first time in my life I'm thinking the time for a third party has arrived.

Comment by Tucker Scofield
October 26, 2009 @ 12:02 pm

Tailgunner: I got your six on that one, brother!! Great points about Hillary, Snowe, and Collins!

Comment by downdraft
October 26, 2009 @ 12:08 pm

Mike Steele IS NO LEADER...His lack of Leadership Skills, His Indecisiveness are a spitting Image of Jimmy Carter's handicaps!

He Hasn't a Clue what to do...He has no Vision for the PArty...He is Reacting to the Democrats, not pro-acting...

If he had a VISION it should be nothing but the ORIGINAL PLATFORM...conservative...

IF HE HAS TO ASK YOU IN A LETTER WHAT TO DO...then HE AIN'T LISTENING...

AND IF HE AIN'T LISTENING...HE AIN'T GOTTA CLUE!!

Our OPTION is to embrace the COnservatives...dump the rest...or

Dump the GOP and form AN AGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE PARTY...made up of QUALITY LEADERS WELL KNOWN FOR THEIR CONSERVATIVE AND PERSUASIVE POLITICAL SKILLS...then...

"SELECTIVELY" invite the other believers away from the party to join us...leave the wimps behind with the party they destroyed!

A Third PARTY has never won...but if the party from which they revolted is WEAK...and if THE NEW MEMBERS ARE "QUALITY" and popular and have a sound vision as to how to SAVE THIS COUNTRY from DESTRUCTION...then it has a better than average CHANCE!!

LETS GO FOR IT!

Comment by downdraft
October 26, 2009 @ 12:18 pm

One more COmment...Newt G. is no longer a Conservative...he even bought in on GOREBAL WARMING (followed the money)...even tho he makes warm and "homie" sounds, and trys to appear to be "One for the Gipper"...it is all smoke amd mirrors...be Careful..

Sarah Palin...a real possibility...she is up to something in the background...she is playing her cards close to the vest...she is smart, potentially a Margaret Thatcher...she can possibly win especially if she LISTENS....no government run healthcare...no more printing money...no government run car companies that build the "Obama Yugos"..

No more SOCIALISM...CAPITALISM must survive...cause if not we have thrown in our nation...no more SOVEREIGNTY! No More AMERICA, possibly AMERIKA!

Comment by vkw
October 26, 2009 @ 12:23 pm

I'm glad to see I'm not alone in sending back the dumb questionnaire with comments that IF you need to ask these questions, THEN there's no wonder why the Repubs are wandering in the desert. I've been hung up on by a Repub fund beggar when I gave him an earful as to why the GOP won't get one red cent of my money until they start demonstrating conservative principles, until they start finding a pair and quit acting like girly men afraid of being called naughty. If they can't get the job done, step aside and let some of the no-name conservatives stand up to the challenge. No more Spectres, Snowes, Collins, McCains, Grahams. No more rinos, cinos, or dem-lites. Newt lost all credibility when he sat down on the AQW couch with Nancy Pelosi.

Comment by wmoore9137
October 26, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

No Scozzafava!

We ended up with McCain and what did that get us? But we still have BrokeBack Mountain Linsey Graham, wow, that and a dollar might get us cup of coffee maybe.

If we must loose with the conservative candidate in New York maybe it will send a message to the republican party that we want an honest conservative republican not a squishy one. Newt must be smoking or ingesting something dangerous to his health.

To Quote Rush "HOW IS HOPE AND CHANGE WORKING FOR YOU?"

Comment by wirebender100
October 26, 2009 @ 12:42 pm

I think we should vote all emcumbents out. Does anyone know anything about the Constitution party?

Comment by MRSnyder13
October 26, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

I also got the survey. And we all have some work to do.

I told them about three things we need to do.

First, get some new faces out there, with new ways to present our sound conservative ideas. The old ones seem to have lost some touch and favor.

Second, dispatch with the partisanism. The survey refers to "Republican" and "Democrat" for just about every question. This tends to lead people down a particular path without them realizing this. Our conservative ideas are sound. And I'd bet more popular than we would believe. Just present the sound ideas, without the distractor of the R or D, and see how the American People feel.

Third, we need to get back on track and stay on it. No more distractions (9-11 was a huge one). Distractions are the time when we need to stay on track even more than normal. We have gotten off track, and need to get back there.

Also, the Democrats seem to be, once again, trying to give back the popularity they reacquired. But now that they have it back, they want to give it up with these same old bad ideas that haven't worked before, and will not now. President Obama was able to win the election based on "change" (the only real change is to what depths they will go to get what they want, and the depth of how little they seem to care for America and the American people) and "transparency" (which he cannot provide, or people will catch on to what their goals really are). We have gotten none of either, and that was good in both cases. Helps our message, too.

We need to get a plan to get back on track. Present it to the people with no tags attached. Then stick to it. Deliver on what we propose, not like the past. No distractions. Present it in a way that appeals to the old and the young. Show how it makes sense for the country as a whole. Then, stick to it and deliver. That's all the American people are really asking for. People and ideas they can count on.

Comment by VwRacer1
October 26, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

Note To The Leadership of the Republican Party:

Do you remember Ronald Reagan? Do You Remember the landslide victories?...er uh, that's PLURAL, as in multiple, more than one, back to back LANDSLIDE VICTORIES! Mr. Reagan was a conservative.
Q -- How did he win?
A -- By standing on his convictions.

Ronald Reagan EARNED the vote on conservatives from all demographics. He spoke from the heart, and the listener could believe what he said when they heard it. Conservative Republicans, conservative Democrats, and conservative Independents all voted for Ronald Reagan because he earned their vote with his sincerity and honesty. He spoke of lower taxes, greater freedom, and smaller government.
If the Republican party is going to continue to offer up these lukewarm, wishy-washy pseudo-conservative 'some-of-the-time' Republicans for our consideration, asking for our financial support ans asking us to once again lend our power by voting for a half-conservative half-liberal mutt, then the leadership of the Republican party will be responsible for driving the conservatives out of the party.
I would rather vote for a third party conservative candidate and lose...again, than to vote for a middle-of-the-road moderate Republican and lose.
Remember Zell Miller?!?! I would change parties and vote for a conservative Democrat, rather than vote for a "We can all change America to look like the rest of the world" Republican.
Republican Leadership, Stop Supporting less-than Conservative Candidates!!! We Don't Want Them!!!

Comment by backpacker
October 26, 2009 @ 12:51 pm

The republican leadership is pathic. I agree with one of the previous writers, to send those contribution request by the republican party, with a highliter message of disgust. One could give to individual strong conservative that are running for various offices. But giving to the the party of Snow and Spector, is to hit one's own hand on purpose with a hammer. *yes baby spector has left the room, but the party still supported him to the end. NO MORE RINOs! No more half hearted efforts at pleasing the party faithful. Newt has been deneutered. I will work against him if he decides to run in 2012. It's so simple that even the Republican Party Leaders know which way to turn, but they're dumber than a cave man.

Comment by krazyeights
October 26, 2009 @ 12:55 pm

I live in the 11th District of NC. A couple of months ago, the NRCC flew a leer jet to Asheville. They met with and picked their candidates to run against Congressman Heath Shuler. They chose a lawyer and Mayor of Hendersonville, Greg Newman, who already has graft and corruption associated with his name and a Professor from Western Carolina, Daniel Ostergard, who has former ties with the Bush Administration. The RNCC then proceeded to fly both of these guys to DC for an all expenses paid candidate training seminar. They just don't get it. The grassroots movement is not going to accept the Republican Machine's insider RINOs. Our country is teetering on the edge of socialism? We will not stand for it this time. We will identify our own candidates and then do everything we can to get them into office.

Comment by Huapakechi
October 26, 2009 @ 1:10 pm

Here's a thought that the GOP leadership might consider: Offer the voters a conservative candidate rather than us having to decide which name on the ballot is least unacceptable.

Do you people running the GOP notice how quickly certain long-term congressmen change parties to stay in power? And it seems to be from republican to democrat or "independent" voting liberal the majority of the time. (specter, jeffords)

Comment by johnnyk73
October 26, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

I was sent a survey about 3 or 4 years ago. I didn't read any of their assinine questions, I just put a big red F on the front page and sent it back along with an image of a peso with "Jorge" Bush's face on it. Did they listen? No, they just stopped sending me their junk mail. They think their voter base is made up of illegal aliens. RIP America, 4 July, 1776 - 20 January, 2009.

Comment by Publius98
October 26, 2009 @ 1:58 pm

Having been involved in Republican politics locally since 1976 as a central committee member, caucus leader, twice on platform committees all the way to the state level, etc., I can say as I've said publicly before that "I came to the Republican Party from the ranks of the uninformed (Democrat party) because that party LEFT ME." I've always been conservative and self sufficient -- things characteristic of and in keeping with the American tradition and psyche.

Now, the party I found a home with has abandoned those core philosophies in favor of higher taxes with which to gain more and more control over every aspect of our lives, showing sympathy with a party they should be rallying their own troops against and cooperating with the enemy to craft health care legislation which promises to economically enslave the people whose very freedoms they are sworn to protect. Our political and economic freedoms are inexorably tied. So, what now, Kemo Sabe?

If the party hierarchy doesn't soon get it, and by "it" I mean adopting 'American Conservatism' as a core and winning philosophy, the party has seen the last of my support. I will no longer compromise or sacrifice MY principles to help a "party" candidate who either has no core philosophy or who represents ideas antithetical to our country's founding principles because some phony poll or focus group told them what to think.

You want help from me? Show me you want to help our country by getting your s**t together and getting the hell out of my way.

Comment by downdraft
October 26, 2009 @ 2:05 pm

As Reagan said to Carter: "There you go again".

Now I again have another comment...and encouragement for those who may think Obama is too impossible to beat...mainly because he seems so CONFIDENT!

Remamber what a Narcissus is, means... It meams a person who is so in Love With Himself...he ignores the problems and criticisms around Him..that these are really, in his mind, the fault of Others...that no one in their right mind could possible NOT SEE HOW GREAT HE IS...SO IT HAS TO BE OTHERS AT FAULT.."I AM CONFIDENT...I AM SO PRETTY ETC"

Comment by dicebucket
October 26, 2009 @ 2:06 pm

Michael Steele has had that "deer in the headlights" look since BEFORE the election, and he hasn't changed it since.

For the first time I'm considering Sarah Palin.

I daydreamed that McCain would somehow win. My problem with McCain was his age and his demeanor on the campaign trail -- not an overwhelming impression from him. But then I realized that he would, relatively early in his presidency, start delegating everything (including speeches) to a younger staff, and Palin would be right in the middle of his administration. I saw her as a quick study, but the short presidential campaign was too, too short for her to grow to her ultimate potential.

I have a feeling that she 1) has a plan, 2) is about the business of studying hard and following that plan and, 3)
is going to castrate the OBAMA re-election camapaign before it gets started (assuming we're still having presidential elections in the future!!

Comment by dave427
October 26, 2009 @ 2:15 pm

Voter-imposed term limits. Congress will never limit themselves, so we ahve to do it. Starting with the 2010 election, vote every incumbent out, no exceptions. This will send a clear message that business as usual is OVER. Each time, vote them all out. They will eventually realize that lifetime positions are gone and that we are FED UP WITH ALL OF THEM.

We need a completely new party, not a re-built Republican party. One that uses the constitution as the guide - if a federal agency is not named in the consitution, get rid of it - period. Let the States enact whatever they deem they need.

Comment by Tucker Scofield
October 26, 2009 @ 2:52 pm

downdraft: You're fired up today! I love it!!

Publius98: "Now, the party I found a home with has abandoned those core philosophies in favor of higher taxes with which to gain more and more control over every aspect of our lives, showing sympathy with a party they should be rallying their own troops against and cooperating with the enemy to craft health care legislation which promises to economically enslave the people whose very freedoms they are sworn to protect."

Unlike you, I am not an internal cog in the Republican party but I HAVE found myself these past several years viewing politics more like WWE Wrestling, where everyone hates each other in the ring but then they buy each other drinks after the match. And worse, I see them laughing amongst themselves that we are stupid enough to believe it's all real. Your post just reinforced that feeling.

Comment by SMWalk1
October 26, 2009 @ 2:57 pm

I'm a lifelong Republican from Pennsylvania. I've lived through the specter of Arlen Specter. I fell for the lies of the Republican Party when President Bush threw his support to Spector, against Pat Toomey. NEVER AGAIN! Conservative Republican or NO Republican! And I just put my money where my mouth is by making a sizable donation to Doug Hoffman's campaign! Go to http://www.doughoffmanforcongress and put this man in office!!

Comment by Dennis Poland
October 26, 2009 @ 3:07 pm

I get several $$$$$ requests from the GOP and My answer is the same. Finish the Contract With AMERICA! Term Limits now--if the GOP would have done this in 1994 We wouldn't be in the spot We are today. Too many politicans padding their own nests---Yes both parties are guilty. Wake up AMERICA, a Government that can give Your everything can take it away.

Comment by Vladimir Val
October 26, 2009 @ 3:09 pm

It is our responsibility to continually let our Party leaders know what we expect from the. This includes county, state, and national leadership. These are the ones that are setting the platform the party will run on. They need to hear the same sentiments we are sending to our state and federal legislators.

Comment by dklowther
October 26, 2009 @ 3:14 pm

We need a new party - the Independent Conservatives - ICONS. It's been a long time since I've seen much political courage to stand on the basic principles of the GOP. Actually, there hasn't been any since Reagan.

Comment by mtollens
October 26, 2009 @ 3:21 pm

The Republican leadership needs to be replaced with true conservatives like Mike Pence and Jim DeMint; I'm fed up with "voting Republican" just so they can reclaim power instead of advancing the core conservative values that are the foundation of our republic.

Start standing up as the party of conservatism instead of the party of "Democrat Lite".

Support Doug Hoffman, the ONLY conservative running in NY 23's special election!

Comment by voxoreason
October 26, 2009 @ 3:29 pm

>>Well... first we have speech after speech by Republican leaders saying how we need to "broaden our message" to "reach more people."

Yeah, the big tent thing.

Conservatives are a self-selecting group. We're going to get the blacks in the tent? That whopping 5-10% that aren't enslaved to the DNC? This is a rounding error.

One thing I'm picking up from many comments above is that the GOP doesn't seem to have any ability to identify and recruit respectable, popular, and electable candidates, eg, George Allen without Maccacca. (Those holes he shot in his own boots will never heal.)

NOOT? NOT! This guy is simply too bright to do something so utterly stupid. There's got to be some kind of rationale for this idiocy. (He has succeeded only in giving me an excellent reason to blow off his ubiquitous phone calls.) Maybe it's a Pat Buchanan impersonation, as ol' Pat picked up a peculiar pal back around the turn of the century.

Was it Publius who said he would write an F on the top of a survey, then return it? What a delightful idea! Can't wait!

Obama has been so awful, the GOP could probably win a number of Congressional districts by running an illegal as long as he/she self-identified as a conservative.

A guy I read today said he was socially liberal, fiscally conservative. Guess he wants lower taxes and partial birth abortions.

Oil and water.

Comment by panch
October 26, 2009 @ 3:38 pm

I am a Republican, my father was a Republican state Senator. I have been a member of four unions, in my life time. Having said that, I am first a CONSERVATIVE. When I was younger, my father told me to vote for a person that was conservative, as he did. He voted for a democrat governor, because he was a conservative business man. I would do the same. A true conservative, whether democrat or republican, is better than a liberal(progressive) democrat or liberal republican.

Comment by BoatingMama
October 26, 2009 @ 3:39 pm

Someone with courage needs to stand up and start speaking conservative values if they want my money again! I had a 40 minute conversation with someone that called me last week from the Republican Party. I kept going over the same points...please listen to the people, please quit voting with the democrats, stop compromising the Constitution, start vetting people...etc. etc. They just don't get it!

Comment by voxoreason
October 26, 2009 @ 3:43 pm

Tucker: The days of putting people up for office because it is "their turn" must come to an abrupt and screeching halt. 2 good examples are Bob Dole and John McCain.

I am reminded of Clinton running unopposed in '96. Seems that whichever blithering idiot who got the last page of TIME magazine suggested that he sit on his front porch and let everyone come to him. Idiocy of such caliber is a rare and disorienting thing. Cognitive dissonance.

The liberal media ALWAYS gives "advice" to republicans. That's fine as far as it goes...but some semi-republican (DeDe S?) might actually pay attention...and usually ends up doing so.

But I think that eventually the GOP will morph into more a conservative organization as opposed to forming a third party. Or get used to losing elections they should'a won in a walk-away contest. (Wish Ron Paul were in the White House - or Hitler's bones, for that matter - as he would no doubt be more effective than Obama, but had a snowball's chance.)

Comment by Tito
October 26, 2009 @ 4:23 pm

If the National Republican Congressional Committee is supporting liberals, they can quit sending me mail asking for contributions. Hey NRCC! Support conservatives and I'll think about giving you some of my hard-earned cash.

Comment by OleCyanide
October 26, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

I am totally fed up with the Republican Party and will not give then one more dime! I get pleas for $$ daily and don't even open them but I think I'll start returning then with a short blistering not in the postage-paid envelope.

Comment by cnriley
October 26, 2009 @ 4:42 pm

You REALLY HAVE NOT said anything new here! This is the same message we have been giving to the so-called "grass roots" politicians since 2006!

How can any politician who has sat in Congress for more than 20, 30 and 40 years have ANY idea of what it means to be an American Man, Woman, Dad, Mom, unemployed Teacher or Autoworker? What would he/ she know about having to decide how to feed our children, keep a roof over their heads, work 2 jobs and keep them safe at home?

We do not need MORE Lawyers and CEO's as congressmen and women...We NEED at least as many "average Joes" in Congress as professional politicians!

I am NOT a "voter" I am a Citizen! They are NO LONGER representatives...they ARE politicians.

Why cant the GOP see that the reason that life long Republicans are leaving the party is because WE, THE PEOPLE are being ignored, NOT EVEN CONSIDERED!

As much as I respect McCain and adore Palin, are they REALLY the very best we have to offer??? Sarah is a Mom first and John's age is an issue...they would both be outstanding PARTY LEADERS and Spokespersons, but our Presidential nominees?

Sorry, but this party will NOT "get a clue" because they are much more interested in THEIR OWN next election, than they are the needs of our Nation...and it shows!!

If WE the Citizens believed that any politician had our needs or our Children’s future in mind, they would have no trouble being elected to the office they so covet!

Comment by bmatts
October 26, 2009 @ 4:43 pm

To the Republician party. I'm gonna make this simple. We as conservative don't want you to get along with the Democrats, we want you to fight them at every turn. If they submit a bill that has our values, support it. If they have a bill that doesn't support our values, then fight it. We are not socalist's WE ARE AMERICAN WITH AMERICAN VALUES. Support thoese values or get out of the way and let someone who does support our values fight for us.

Comment by lashu2
October 26, 2009 @ 5:00 pm

I just read that McCain is mad about Dick Cheney's comments on Afghanistan, that in itself shows how out of touch the RINO's are. They are just as arrogant as the Democrats, otherwise they would admit what a terrible mistake it was to have McCain as a candidate.

Comment by Jeanne
October 26, 2009 @ 5:01 pm

Ditto to everything Tucker Scofield said today! Great posts by all. The time has come for all good conservatives of all political parties to get it together. Get out there and ring doorbells; walk the precincts; donate $$ to good honest conservatives who have the best interests of this country's citizens at heart; and help recruit conservative candidates who can win in November 2010 and 2012.
Once we have elected them to congress they are to clean up the current mess in Washington, D.C. starting with the 'bail-outs', and the proposed Health Care and 'Cap & Trade' bills.
The new congress could (and SHOULD)then EXPUNGE the destructive legislation attempted or completed by this left-wing socialist minded democrat-led congress and president. The talk here is great but the time has come for ACTION. GO GET 'EM. Semper Fi! Jeanne

Comment by austen
October 26, 2009 @ 5:12 pm

My gosh, it's not that difficult and anyway, what an example they have with Reagan! Can't figure out Newt...

Comment by jbdollar
October 26, 2009 @ 7:01 pm

I am finished supporting my party simply because "it's the right thing to do". Our family were all Democrats until Reagan, and why should I continue supporting them when you can't tell the difference? I also get begging letters and phone calls from Steele, Gingrich, and others as to why I should depart from my hard-earned money to defeat the Democrats. I don't care about defeating Democrats, I care about putting top quality people in office who are willing to FIGHT for the Constitution and to save our nation from Marxists. For years I voted for Specter and tried to keep from vomiting each time. Finally he's switched back to what he always was. If I lived in New York certainly would not vote for the liberal the party offered, I would be voting conservative. WAKE UP RNC, before you become completely irrelevant. If people want to support Liberalism, let them be Democrats. Don't expect us to line up like sheep and keep voting for them - THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!

Comment by tomthumb
October 26, 2009 @ 7:11 pm

Hey great idea lets keep complaining about the lack of leadership until 2013! By then we'll all be calling each other tovarish (comrade). We have been so fragmented since Reagan left office its taken this long to notice. Everyone that calls themselves "conservative" is TOO AFRAID TO ACT LIKE ONE!!! Rep. Ron Paul is the ONLY congressman to read the Constitution and know what it says. Our "central government" has wiped their feet on the Constitution since the Lincoln administration! How do we regain lost ground? May I humbly suggest everyone getting behind the "IMPEACH OBAMA" campaign. Followed closely by an underground detonation of a large nuke planted in the San Andreas fault. Hopefully that will trump all pelosi and reid supporters.

Comment by downdraft
October 26, 2009 @ 8:29 pm

Comment by wirebender100
October 26, 2009
i.e.,CONSTITUTION PARTY
Yes..it is a beautiful document to behold...go to constitutionparty.com

It says what we all have been seeking...and have almost forgotten that our COnstitution exists, and what it says...Go there

Comment by Paul NY
October 26, 2009 @ 8:32 pm

That's hitting the nail on the head, I am sick to death of these "Democrat lite" republicans, from Michael Steele comments on Rush and the "hard right" to the nominations of the likes of Scozzafava, I no longer give any donations to the party because of thier grievous misuse of same, all my donations now go to individual canidates who do "have a clue" and some stones or to conservative pacs, if the Rupugnicans keep going this way I will have to change my party altogether

Comment by wildfire
October 26, 2009 @ 10:51 pm

As the leader of a Republican group west of Houston, I have developed close ties to the Tea Party and other groups. All I hear from everyone is How In The World!!! can the GOP keep supporting RINOs. I myself just about lost it when Michael Steele was elected and THEN!! turned right around and started spouting the same crap as the GOP has been saying for years. Why do they listen to the national press for what we should believe and support??? Has anyone noticed the FL race and Marc Rubio? Who's the National GOP supporting down there? Anyone? Like many others the "Party" will not get one dime from me until they come back to the right and starting protecting our God and Constitutionally given rights!!!

Comment by Publius98
October 26, 2009 @ 11:36 pm

Voxoreason: "But I think that eventually the GOP will morph into more a conservative organization as opposed to forming a third party. Or get used to losing elections they should'a won in a walk-away contest ... "

At the rate government is usurping our rights and mortgaging our great-grandchildren's futures, I truly do NOT believe that we can afford to wait for this assumed anthro-politicomorphism to happen. Conversely, this thread is excellent evidence that party loyalists like me are ripe for the picking by a new CONSERVATIVE PARTY, organized around, loyal to and unified by our values -- especially those abandoned by the Republican party.

I saw an earlier post advocating an "Independent Conservative Party -- ICONS! What a great and catchy name! The press would love it and eat it up! Great idea dklowther!

OleCyanide: "I am totally fed up with the Republican Party and will not give then one more dime! I get pleas for $$ daily and don't even open them but I think I'll start returning then with a short blistering not in the postage-paid envelope."

If you really want to make a point and get them to stop sending you those thinly disguised survey/fundraisers, by all meams send your nasty notes back to them in their postage-paid envelopes! I do that with junk mail ... seems to get me taken off their mailing lists faster than other methods ... especially if you pack it full of all their advertising circulars and add the note!

Comment by Publius98
October 27, 2009 @ 12:10 am

In a typically smoldering response to an earlier state-level Republican Party appeal, I suggested to the state chair and his minions that they either start backing conservative ideas or forget about my support. I used the example out of Texas, the letter to the editor on amnesty:

"Recently, large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the U.S. might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.

Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family's insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work) because he too is hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).

If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there. It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm hard working and honest, um, except for, well, you know.

And what a deal it is for me!!

I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me!

Why can't people see how ridiculous this is? Only in America.... "

It is my humble opinion that this kind of clear thinking and application of conservative principles is what is needed from our government today, and is unfortunately what I am seeing less and less of in our daily lives and in our party. Instead we elect leaders who do not lead but pander to the loudest whiners in our midst. Who, instead of designing solutions which help but require effort on the part of the citizenry to solve their own problems, use our hard earned tax dollars to enslave us under an increasingly thick layer of regulations and bureaucracy. Both parties are at fault as is the education establishment. Parents should be encouraged to accept and perform their parental responsibilities instead of having schools and the state act in loco parentis.

Unless the Republican Party begins to restore the concepts of individual responsibility and freedom (which is an election winning idea) through reversing things like "no fault" divorce and car accidents, soon the only thing left in in the "Big Tent" will be the RINO. Then, your first act can be to change the Republican Party mascot.

Comment by WormWood
October 27, 2009 @ 1:06 am

Dear Newt Gingrich,

Ronald Reagan was not for a third party BECAUSE the other party, the democrats, were liberal. This current party is out and out MARXIST. Newt, that was then, this is now.

Comment by DYack
October 27, 2009 @ 9:42 am

Tailgunner had it correct - there is no conservative Republican leadership, but they do want your money. And maybe thats the best way to be heard - stop giving money to the RNC and other Republican organizations that are doing nothing to place Conservative Republican candidates in office. Until I start hearing these organizations speak out against and work to remove RINOs, I WON'T BE GIVING MY MONEY to those that will waste it just as efficiently as any democrat.

Comment by disgustedinOR
October 27, 2009 @ 11:05 am

The GOP has not seen real leadership since Reagan was in office. To say that they have lost their way is a huge understatement. They are nothing more than Democrat Lite and nearly as progressive left as the current administration. The Republicans in Washington, DC appear to be more interested in going along to get along rather than stand up for the welfare and benefit of all of their constituants instead of just the ones who send them money. Michael Steele is a weak politician who is totally impotent and incapable of inspiring anyone.

Comment by morse919
October 27, 2009 @ 12:00 pm

Amen Bobby!

Comment by welaney
October 27, 2009 @ 1:09 pm

I hope that there are alot of independants with conservative ideas running in 2010 so we can clean house. We need to vote all the incumbents out and put people in that love this country. I'm tired of the self serving power hungry politicians that don't care about anything but themselves. If they are not there to serve the people then they don't need to be there. The republican party has become a joke, wise up and listen to the people that care about they're freedom and the constitution as it was written.

Comment by dissident
October 27, 2009 @ 1:33 pm

This pretty much sums up why I quit the Republican party back in 05 and see no reason to go back. I'm fed up with the "our guys vs. their guys" mentality taking precedence over doing what's right, namely getting government off of our backs. When Republicans ran the show in Congress they proved to be every bit as corrupt and drunk with power as the Dems, and I see no sign they they've changed.

Comment by Tucker Scofield
October 27, 2009 @ 1:41 pm

Publius98: Your last post hit upon a whole slew of issues that have led to our current demise. You knocked it outta' the park, man!

"Parents should be encouraged to accept and perform their parental responsibilities instead of having schools and the state act in loco parentis." In my mind, this is where the slippery slope began. Without responsible parental oversight, the television, the school system, and the Nanny State become our babysitters and go unhindered in indoctrinating our kids. NOBODY has the influence over a child that a parent has, and if we do our part, it's much harder for the State to counter that.

"Instead we elect leaders who do not lead but pander to the loudest whiners in our midst. Who, instead of designing solutions which help but require effort on the part of the citizenry to solve their own problems, use our hard earned tax dollars to enslave us under an increasingly thick layer of regulations and bureaucracy." This is another great point and I hold up those eight Republican congressmen and women who voted the Cap and Trade legistlation through the House. Despite overwhelming protest from their constituents, these "representatives" voted FOR Cap and Trade because of pressure from environmental groups...the same groups that contributed heavily to each representative. Have they no shame??

"Unless the Republican Party begins to restore the concepts of individual responsibility and freedom (which is an election winning idea) through reversing things like "no fault" divorce and car accidents, soon the only thing left in in the "Big Tent" will be the RINO." It is pitiful that the concept of personal responsibility is disappearing fast...and its disappearance is being hastened by torte lawyers, politicians, political correctness, and the school systems (where concepts like winners and losers, achievers and non-achievers is considered "divisive"). Personal responsibility removes the opportunity for these pigs to continue to line their own pockets at our expense and yet so many have fallen prey to the "not MY fault" mentality that entitlement has become a way of life for them. It sickens me.

Comment by kelly
October 27, 2009 @ 4:03 pm

WHO IS REALLY RUNNING THE GOP?? Who is really financing this mess and why? As soon as we find out, we can start to make a change. Each state has some involvement with the GOP. There are some 3200 counties in the US. Do we start on the county level?
The spirit for rebellion is strong. We just need to figure out a legitimate plan of action. If the party can't be recovered, we need to move on out.
The GOP has one last chance here. They should wrap themselves tightly to Sarah Palin, Ron Paul and other actual conservatives. If they don't, they are headed for the tar pits with the other dinosaurs.
I really don't know if they can't hear us or they are just ignoring us. Either way it is a real negative for them.
Hey, GOP, time to walk the talk! Hellooooo..... Anybody home?.......

Comment by Richard
October 28, 2009 @ 12:41 pm

It is time we find a way to replace the Republican leadership. After all, was it the GOP leadership in collusion with the media that led us into getting stuck with John McCain? I despise the thought that contenders in an election may only differ by whether they have an R or D by their name. When the only difference in candidates is merely the speed which they take away our freedoms and standards of living, is that really a choice or merely deciding what speed we spiral into socialism or worse fascism.