Newt Gingrich pushes back on N.Y. endorsement
Former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich is taking real heat over his endorsement of a moderate Republican, Dede Sozzafava, in a special congressional election in upstate New York.
David Keating, executive director of Club for Growth, has taken to a third-party conservative, Doug Hoffman, and rakes Gingrich on the anti-tax group’s web site:
“Gingrich does this all the time,” said Keating. “He does whatever the party committee asks him to. He likes to cultivate this image of being an innovator and a thinker and so on, and then he endorses the most tired, worn-out, special interest-genuflecting candidate you can possibly find.”
Erick Erickson’s RedState is calling for Sozzafava to withdraw.
But this afternoon, on his own web site, the former Georgia congressman pushed back:
The choice in New York is a practical one: We can split the conservative vote and guarantee the election of a Democrat in a Republican seat in a substantial loss of opportunity. Or we can find a way to elect someone who has committed to vote for the Republican leader, has committed to vote against all tax increases, has committed to vote against cap-and-trade, and is a strong ally of the NRA.
In order to stop President Obama and the Democrats in Congress, I would rather see Christie win in New Jersey, Bob McDonnell win in Virginia, and have the Republican, Dede Scozzafava, win the special election in NY-23 so that election night in 2009 is a devastating defeat for the Democrats.
My number one interest is to build a Republican majority. If your interest is taking power back from the Left, and your interest is winning the necessary elections, then there are times when you have to put together a coalition that has disagreement within it.
We have to decide which business we are in. If we are in the business about feeling good about ourselves while our country gets crushed then I probably made the wrong decision.
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2010 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
78 comments Add your comment
clyde
October 22nd, 2009
2:41 pm
So what’s to argue with here?Just because the candidate isn’t a bible totin Southern baptist,does that mean the majority of the Republicans don’t want Scozzafava?Of course it does.Gingrich is at least a realist.
Shananeeeee Fananeeeeeee
October 22nd, 2009
2:44 pm
Obama and his cronies are going down. Change in 2010 and 2012, Change we are looking forward to.
David
October 22nd, 2009
2:46 pm
To say long time Republicans have lost their compass is an understatement. Newt is a prime example of putting politics ahead of what is best for the American people. The democrats do not have a monopoly on that transgression. Political hacks must be defeated in both parties or we will let them destroy our country. Screw Newt. He’s selling us out worse than McCain and Graham. I guess if Pelosi and Reid decide to switch to the Republican party in 2010 because they have a better chance of winning Newt will be there with open arms.
reebok
October 22nd, 2009
2:53 pm
Endorsing a moderate??? Heaven forbid…so a person of Gingrich’s stature…you know, a person with actual intellectual heft and bona-fide achievement…is supposed to kowtow to the wack-job fringe of an already-marginalized party? Brilliant strategy…the GOP is going to be reduced to bomb-throwing and hoping the economy stays bad.
leeh1
October 22nd, 2009
3:02 pm
Throw out Newt and bring in Sarah Palin. I’m tired of these old Republicans who are just opportunistic politicians. They are Repubican in name only.
Phil Leviathan
October 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
Pretty strong words Newt – not! Scozzafava is going to lose and likely finish third. She is a Dem in GOP clothing. If Newt really wanted to rebuild the GOP he would have called on Dede to suspend her campaign and unite behind Hoffman.
I would prefer to lose the seat to a Dem than have an unprincipled Republican such as Scozzafava win. It is a Republican district and if Owens wins, perhaps the GOP will wise up and nominate a principled conservative for the race a year from now.
ugaaccountant
October 22nd, 2009
3:26 pm
A moderate getting elected in NY is fine. Better than a socialist.
cletus T Rockafella
October 22nd, 2009
3:36 pm
Gingrich is a hypocritical moron. He speaks of morals & values, while he divorces his XXX wife on her deathbed. He exists only for the crap gop, which is the same as the crap democraps. Palin, IF she had one ounce of sense, would get into porn movies – that is the only area she’ll be successful in. Both are losers, just like their followers.
Roekest
October 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
“Throw out Newt and bring in Sarah Palin. I’m tired of these old Republicans who are just opportunistic politicians. They are Repubican in name only.”
Since when did being a Republican mean turning back the clock in our country 50 years, becoming the “moral compass” for society (religion and philosophy’s job, btw), and endorsing a candidate who believes she is adept at foreign policy because she can see a sliver of Russia from her Alaskan igloo???
“Mainstream” Republicans have effing lost it! Reagan and Goldwater are spinning in their graves, and I’ve turned in my GOP member card. If this is where the GOP is heading, please moderate Republicans, join me and the rest of the Independents in getting both of these whack-job parties out of every office in America. They (Republicans and Democrats) are the cancer which is killing our Republic.
TnGelding
October 22nd, 2009
3:42 pm
Phil Leviathan
October 22nd, 2009
3:23 pm
There aren’t many politicians around with principles.
Newt makes a good point. Why vote for someone that probably can’t win? You have to be that forward looking.
TnGelding
October 22nd, 2009
3:44 pm
Roekest
October 22nd, 2009
3:38 pm
Impossible, as long as they are allowed to run the elections and set the rules.
Shawn Rork
October 22nd, 2009
3:58 pm
We got into the condition we’re in now because of a lack of conservative principles. Because the Republican party let in a bunch of “moderates”, they have become the party that is considered the lesser of two evils. Would Next have backed Olympia Snowe if she were in a tight election just to have the “Republican” in office. I’d rather support the conservative choice even if the moderate has the better chance. Moderate values are not going to pull us out of this economic crisis!
Rolie
October 22nd, 2009
4:13 pm
I usually stay out of the posting arena as I’m not as well versed and articulate as the club requires but I can tell you that I’m an a-typical conservative guy that yearns for a government for the people and by the people. That’s it. Strong military, a so called leader that appreciates being a North American, a spiritual guy or gal… doesn’t matter, will shut down the IRS and other power based goons that only intimidate, low flat 10% tax for all and overseen by THE PEOPLE, pro-small business as well as big, back to gold standard, drill here-drill now-self reliant, protect our borders, etc…. get back to the basics.
ugaaccountant
October 22nd, 2009
4:22 pm
Shawn, lovely rant, but did you read the article. The candidate in question “committed to vote for the Republican leader, has committed to vote against all tax increases, has committed to vote against cap-and-trade, and is a strong ally of the NRA.” That’s as good as you can expect to get elected in NY.
atlien052
October 22nd, 2009
5:02 pm
To call Scozzafava a “moderate” is akin to calling Barack Huessein Obama (Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm) a liberal. Obama is a bona fide socialist and Scozzafava is a liberal. When liberal groups such as ACORN and the SEIU endore a candidate, then you know the candidate is bad for the country.
The Republicans tried to “build a coalition” during the last presidential election…How’s that working out for you, Newt? McCain is the ultimate example of how this strategy does not work for the Republican party. It’s time to put conservatives on the ballot and quit trying to build coalitions by nominating so-called moderates.
TW
October 22nd, 2009
5:03 pm
There is no better example of ‘lay with dogs, wake with fleas’ than today’s GOP. Sad, really, as the true conservative voice should be a vital part of our country’s debate. Instead, the right has become nothing but hate and problems.
Let’s give peace and solutions a chance.
RGB
October 22nd, 2009
5:20 pm
“….please moderate Republicans, join me and the rest of the Independents….”
Yeah, they’ve been real helpful to us. To wit:
John McCain (do I really need to explain here?)
Arlen Specter (at least he officially went to the dark side)
Olympia Snowe (just helped advance libs’ health care bill).
Susan Collins (one of just three Republicans to vote for the Porkulus bill).
Yes, Americans can sure have a real choice by having more moderate Republicans–the choice between very left and ultra-left. That strategy’s really working for us and we need to repeat it in 2010.
Dayplace
October 22nd, 2009
6:54 pm
Constitutional conservatives have traditionally voted Republican. Socially liberal voters choose the Democrat candidate. Some of us now realize that voting for the (R) or (D) without checking the candidate’s actual values only guarantees what the true power brokers in Washington have designed for our ‘rubber stamp’ vote. If you are a social liberal and you elect a ‘blue dog’ conservative democrat because they have the party endorsement, you are to blame for failure to enact FOCA or Universal Healthcare. If you are a constitutional conservative and you vote for Scozzafava you should expect that her vote for FOCA and Universal Healthcare will be your fault. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. District 23 has a chance to send a strong message that we are tired of ‘Party’ choices when they don’t match up to the electorates concerns. 22% of the registered Democrats will vote for the (D) and 22% of the diehard Republicans will vote for the (R). That leaves a majority of 56% who could control the outcome of the election if we would vote our concerns not the party.
hinckleybuzzard
October 22nd, 2009
10:58 pm
If Scuzzy wins, Newt is finished. We here in the Red Zone don’t buy that “Party over Country” crap.. That’s for ‘rat scum. Sorry Newt. Used ta love ya, but this is hasta la byebye.
Brian
October 22nd, 2009
11:28 pm
The comments here denouncing conservatives for fighting back against the party establishment are disingenuous. The Republican Party is marginalized because they have moved too far to the left. 2006 and 2008 they lost because they abandoned their principles, and only Palin prevented John McCain from losing in a landslide. I find it fascinating how liberals say that the “whack fringe nut-jobs” are causing the Republicans to lose. If this is true, why are you so concerned about it then? Shouldn’t you be happy that evil conservatives are destroying the GOP? When will Democrats become “moderate” and “move to the middle?” You never hear the media talk about the far leftist kooks that has the Democratic Party in a chokehold. Pro-life and pro-gun Democrats are ran out of the party. Look what the Democrats did to Joe Lieberman in 2006, and he was only moderate on the war. Let’s face it – the media and the Dems do an excellent job of setting up this false premise that Republicans need to “moderate” in order to win elections, and Republicans fall for this every time.
If You Have Ever Told A Yankee That “Delta Is Ready When You Are”, Please Remember Those Planes Make Round Trips — Peach Pundit
October 22nd, 2009
11:52 pm
[...] some reason, this was all I could think about when I read this morning’s column from Jim Galloway. Apparently, One of our front page posters who also spends some spare time on RedState and Cobb [...]
Michael
October 23rd, 2009
1:53 am
Newt condemns himself in last sentence. He admits he is going against what he thinks is right to “get the win”. “Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair, the rest is in the hands of God.”…George Washington America – it is time to stop the quick deal compromises. We don’t get something for nothing. To sit back and let Newt and GOP give us their compromised plans is proven folly. Let us find someone WE think is WORTHY of our vote and work like dogs to put him in office. AIP has a frame work for this (www.aipnews.com). If you don’t like the idea that our rights ONLY come from God and that we have a DUTY to work for those rights then stay w/ GOP. There is only ONE thing that can unite us – God. There is only one truth and here is one place to start – http://www.maafa21.com/. God will not spare us if we keep slapping him in the face and rejecting his children with contraception. Get out of your adolescense America! Contraception is the footstool to abortion. Abortion is murder. Forget about the homosexual activists. Married people need to learn sex is not just a plaything. It reveals the nature of God. Sex is not “good”; it is great, holy, sacred. It is how we all came to be and we are all made in the image and likeness of God. We are not animals and not less than animals. Let us call out to God for mercy, he is good and he can heal us if we let him.
Fred Chitwood
October 23rd, 2009
7:30 am
Nothing new here. The Republican “establishment” always takes the low road. The reason the Republican Party lost ground in 06 and 08 is that got away from being the party opposite of the dems.
Barry
October 23rd, 2009
9:45 am
As a former independent but now Democrat, I just shake my head when I read most of the comments here.
The GOP has turned into a conservative, southern-dominated party. That’s fine if you’re a southern conservative. But guess what? Most of the country disagrees with you. Recent polls show only 20% of the country identifies with Republicans. Of course, to many of the commenters, this is proof that the GOP should become even MORE conservative.
Wake up!! The U.S. is not like the south. Demography is against you. You need to realize that a representative who votes with you 75% of the time is an ally, not a RINO.
lello
October 23rd, 2009
10:04 am
The PROBLEM is that the GOP is NOT offering any alternative, they continue to want to be “democrat-lite” with their candidates and then want to try to hold everyone hostage with the claim the voting for an independent will assure a democratic victory. Well, DUH, voting for THIS candidate will assure a “democrat-lite” victory, so what’s the difference?? It isn’t the people who would give the Dems a victory, it is the GOP that would be doing it! Newt is short-sighted and a party-line toer in this one. And, regrettably, he sounds just like the “my way or the highway” Dems. Wake up America! Vote your VALUES, NOT your “party”!!
Bob A
October 23rd, 2009
10:16 am
Build a “Republican” majority with RINO’s like Snowe, Chaffee and Specter. Its time to ensure Rino’s don’t run or if they do, they are identified as traitors and are dismised out of had. We should also make sure their supporters are marginalized. Bush supported Arlene Secter in a primary against a wonderful conservative. Its time we get rid of the Rino’s and their supporters.
One last thing. Gingrich has supported the global warming idiots in the past. That shows how stupid he really is!
Arie
October 23rd, 2009
10:31 am
What Gingrich doesn’t get is that a vote for a Rhino like Dede is the same as voting Liberal
Chief Wiggum
October 23rd, 2009
10:34 am
Newt is basically saying “Republicans in there at any cost”, with no regard to what they believe. I bet Newt thinks Snowe and Collins are pretty awesome in the Senate, too? Sort of like how folks were supposed to support Arlen Spectacle? He showed his true colors…he’s a big-government believer that only had the (R) after his name to get elected. Pure opportunist.
Karen
October 23rd, 2009
11:36 am
I like and respect Newt but he is WRONG. We need to build a CONSERVATIVE Congress filled with people who will actually uphold the Constitution. So, if that means electing an independent who will vote with the Republicans most of the time, or might even pull them back to the constitution, that would be perfect. The Dems don’t care if Liebernan has an I after his name as long as he votes with them. They don’t care if there is a communist as long as he votes with them. So, people like Newt should support the right candidate. Look at Spector, he was a Democrat in his heart the whole time he was a Republican. Anyone can run as a conservative with an R behnd his name. That means nothing, as we have seen lately.
Fightn4Freedom
October 23rd, 2009
11:49 am
I just can’t believe that the republican party is bowing down to this liberal state of mind. Do they not SEE what people in this country are saying? ” We want accountablitliy and resistance from these STUPID entitlement programs.” They just don’t get it, how do they know that this lady is the one that has a chance to win? WE WANT PEOPLE TO STAND UP IN CONGRESS AND CHALLANGE THE LEFT WING NUTS. If this lady gets in there we are looking at another Snow, or Collins and that is NOT what we need or want. I like Newt but this crap with the GOP trying to seem left like the Dems is pathetic. NEWT GET A CLUE WILL YA.
Base
October 23rd, 2009
12:15 pm
Newt is an idiot and he makes money from whoever will listen.
NewtNoMore
October 23rd, 2009
1:17 pm
NEWT IS NO DIFFERENT THAN SNOWE, COLLINS, SPECTER, MCCAIN. NEWT IS A FAIR-WEATHER OPPORTUNIST. HE DOES NOT HAVE OUR BEST INTEREST AT HEART.
NEWT IS NOTHING BUT A RINO. GO AWAY NEWT!!
pete
October 23rd, 2009
1:41 pm
Newt has lost his way. Support consertives with traditional consertive values and you will win in the end. No more RINOs in congress
Capitulation or compromise? « Copacabana
October 23rd, 2009
2:31 pm
[...] politician by backing someone he acknowledges he doesn’t agree with on many, many issues in order to create a Republican majority? Or is he being super savvy, recognizing that anything less than opening up the tent a little is [...]
Johnny Simpson
October 23rd, 2009
3:00 pm
I really love all this talk from Libs saying Republicans need to “reach across the aisle” after they tried to railroad Joe Lieberman out of office for not being liberal enough! Dems, if you have the right to push anyone from your party that doesn’t meet basic liberal criteria, Republicans have the right to bounce their platform carpetbaggers, too!
ozzie chabot
October 23rd, 2009
3:06 pm
Glad this came to light newt endorsement of scozzfava is a cripling blow to rnc and so far no other canidate for 2012 has had courage to stand up for hoffman only sara and she a power house. and rnc crist in florida will also lose rubio is coming strong. This is just great thanks to obama we are going to take america back. as for newt with me is a big O no more support from me. sarapac getting my$
X
October 23rd, 2009
3:08 pm
Throw out Newt. 73% of Republicans don’t trust Republican leadership. Republican identity is at a 26 year low. Conservatives and independents are gone. The only idiot that’s going to be left in the so called big tent is Newt Gingrich, crying about how we need him and other Republican moderates. Good luck with your 25% strategy, loser.
Rich White
October 23rd, 2009
3:35 pm
Dede Sozzafava is no moderate Republican! She is a full fledged liberal on the Republican ticket and she has flip floped on every issue Newt talked about. In short, she can’t be trusted! She ranks left of the Democrat she is running against.
Pull her nomination and then we woun’t be splitting the ticket, NEWT!
We are done compromising and, you expecting us to vote for people with no real values. Character matters above all else Newt and if you didn’t notice the poll, Americans put that as # 1 when voting. We are done wasting our time voting for liars and cheats and then expecting a different result.
Rich White
October 23rd, 2009
3:43 pm
People willing to vote party over values get people that think the Constitution is a flawed document that makes us live in the hypocracy of freedom.
Rich White
October 23rd, 2009
3:44 pm
When Sarah Palin endorses the RNC is when I contribute again. ha ha ha
DOUG
October 23rd, 2009
4:00 pm
GET THESE RINO’S OUT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY NOW!
Airtyme
October 23rd, 2009
5:02 pm
This one is a little old, but who knew it would mean so much today.
http://tinyurl.com/ybsjxyk
John Barthel
October 23rd, 2009
6:04 pm
I’m frankly tired of “republicans” like Snowe and Collins in the Northeast. I’d rather lose than have “Republicans” like one I had to tollerate over the years i.e.Arlen Specter. They are not the least bit conservative. Not all conservatives are Southern Baptists, etc. Some of us simply want to know who we are voting for, what they believe–REALLY– and what we can count on. I’m on the brink of dropping out of the mess altogether. Liberal republicans are not the answer. I no longer call myself a republican . Most of those in office now have no backbone. Blue dog democrats beat liberal republicans any day in my book. Only CONSERVATIVES can return this country into a world leader and prosperous economy. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Dave
October 23rd, 2009
6:33 pm
Newt has allways been one of my favorite republicans, but to endorse Sozzafava who is a progressive liberal just because she has an R in front of her name is crazy. this type of thinking continues to be a loosing strategy for conservatives. this same stupid mentality told us to vote for for Arnold for Ca. Gov. because he could win, and he had an R in front of his name. (even though exit polling showed that Tom McClintock was the favorite by almost 10%) now Arnold is signing every liberal progressive bill he can get his hands on. what good is the R in front of his name now? THIS MUST STOP! VOTING FOR THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS, IS STILL VOTING FOR EVIL!
both sides need to stop voting the “party line” and start electing honest people, who actually care more about this country than their own political career.
shipley130
October 23rd, 2009
7:11 pm
Golly Newt, how about supporting someone that is a Republican only by name, not actions. I suppose he thinks Nixon was an actual Repub, too. What a joke.
hairdoo
October 23rd, 2009
10:08 pm
Voting for RINOs is what got us in the mess we are in today! I no longer believe in the philosophy that you should vote for the candidate “who can win”. We need to vote for the best candidate–the one who reflects our conservative values!!!!
Kevin
October 23rd, 2009
11:32 pm
The feelings that conservatives have after learning that they have been deceived by phony conservatives like Newt Gingrich is like the feeling of after having walked in on one’s spouse or significant other in the act of cheating on you. Both scenarios evoke a combination of shock, surprise, betrayal, and anger. This is exactly how a lot of conservatives feel about the GOP and it is time for a 3rd political party
Kevin
October 23rd, 2009
11:40 pm
The facts speak for themselves that Newt Gingrich was never a conservative to begin with. He is what is known as a “stealth liberal”, a liberal who runs for office as a conservative and once in office infiltrates conservative organizations and sabotages the conservative movement from within. His endorsement of Scozzafava is not a surprise for those who know who Newt really is, as this is his true colors coming out. Here is an article called “Who is the Real Newt Gingrich”, which exposes the truth about who he really is and will give you a good idea of why he endorsed Scozzafava: http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd449.htm (Part I) and http://www.newswithviews.com/Devvy/kidd450.htm (Part II).
Kevin
October 23rd, 2009
11:43 pm
Last, but not least, here is a video called “The Real Newt Gingrich”, which further explains about and exposes who Newt Gingrich is. He has a liberal voting track record as a House of Representative Republican and his true motivations are not that of promoting conservatism.
Kevin
October 23rd, 2009
11:43 pm
Here is the link of this video: http://www.vimeo.com/6445068
Bflat879
October 24th, 2009
12:04 am
What Mr. Gingrich is afraid to do, especially in New York, is go all out for the conservative candidate and see what happens. The fact is that Republicans, who end up being Democrat Lite, do nothing for the country and nothing for the party. Look at Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe from Maine, who will provide the Democrats with enough votes to claim they’re bi-partisan. Why is that good for the country? Why is that good for the party?
The New York race was a free shot, since the seat will be up for election next year, during which time, if the conservative doesn’t work out, you can find a much better candidate. It’s not like that one seat is really going to break the bank.
Come on Newt, take a shot and see what happens. Let’s test the power of the tea-party, in a place that will be a good test.
Capn Jack
October 24th, 2009
12:58 am
Wake up Newt or you guys will lose this one. I’m a registered card carrying Republican but I will back Hoffman all the way. I and every other Conservative I know would rather lose to the Democrat then ignore our Principles of Conservatism and elect abother liberal Republican.
Richard Carter
October 24th, 2009
8:54 am
Washington is now two heads on one body. It’s not a Democrat thing. It’s not a republican thing. It’s a corruption thing. How do we fight back? Vote the “AMERICAN PARTY” in 2010, 2012, and 2014. More details coming! Until then, remember this… in just 6 years we can have a brand new Congress, Senate, and White House. How can than be? Follow one simple rule, and one simple rule only. No matter what part you are affiliated with and no matter how you have voted in the past… VOTE OPPOSITE OF THE INCUMBENT. Meaning, whoever is the current politician in office, vote for anyone but them. We are guaranteed to remove every single one of the current politicians from office. Put the power back in the hands of the American people. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT. VOTE OPPOSITE THE INCUMBENT.
Beckyw
October 24th, 2009
9:12 am
If Newt does not stand on solid principles and simply follows the course of “party politics”
he is essentially condemning the Republican party to the dumpster of history. Endorsing the RINO has consequences. The reason that the Republicans are in the mess they are in is because their message is one that reflects no central ideal and instead is pandering just as the democrats do.
Reagan proved that core values can win an election and can do it in a big way. Looking at the race in the 23rd, I ask where is the RINO’s message? Does she reflect the vaues and the princples of her constituents? Is she running on party alone? The fact is Scozzafava is a member of the Republican party in name only. Her core values are not of a conservative bent and are , in fact, far left in nature.
Newt is marginalizing himself for the future as he makes decisions to endorse candidates who are not of a solid Conservative stripe. The man who led a Conservative revolution in 1994 is slowly becoming a liberal in his efforts to stay in the media’s limelight.
Someone of true principle would not ever do that.
Kenny
October 24th, 2009
9:51 am
Conservatism…without compromise. Liberalism is easy and infectious. Politics is a game with real life consequences. When you “play with Liberals” you get some on you. My first vote was for Reagan and he was my Commander in Chief when I served, a fact that I am proud of…but even he tried to play and got some on him. That’s how we got amnesty for illegals.
Someone please tell me what the hell is “compassionate conservatism”? Conservatism, without compromise, needs never to be qualified nor quantified. It stands on it’s own merits and works every damn time. Newt, I believe you know this to be true but you have played too much with liberals. By your willingness to compromise in this political game of tug-of-war, you have been dragged so many times that Dede Sozzafava is acceptable. This should not be…you have over intellectualized it. Listen to your gut…that thing that churns and turns at the first thought of Sozzafava…it is the small, still voice.
Missy8s
October 24th, 2009
10:13 am
Sorry to burst your bubble Newt,
“real” CONSERVATIVES will NEVER support you again!
There’s just something slimy about you and you have been dragging conservatives further to the LEFT year after year…
Try standing for something OTHER THAN “the party” and be a REAL Conservative!
Conservatives are sick and tired of being told that they should be more like the “progressives” and you are doing exactly that!
SHUT UP!
Jeff G
October 24th, 2009
10:18 am
What we have seen with Bush in office is that the Republicans in control just spend and act like the Democrats but at a slower rate then Obama/Pelosi/Reid era. The only hope is conservatives that go back to small government and the actual Constitution limiting the Federal government. Settling for one side vs the other isn’t getting us anywhere and all incumbents must be voted out. The only ones to stay must be solid conservatives. If a Republican loses because they are not a conservative, then maybe the party will learn – hopefully Newt has because I learned not to follow him again.
Kenny
October 24th, 2009
10:22 am
Next thought…Newt, when Sozzafava loses miserably, perhaps you can admit that compromise is not the answer, then organize and lead Contract With America II…or maybe Covenant With America? Demonstrate conservatism without compromise…and we will welcome you back to what is right.
“O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!”
Mag 26
October 24th, 2009
12:56 pm
Enter your comments here
cooperscopy
October 24th, 2009
12:58 pm
Realignment in the GOP is going to happen 73% of republicans in a recent poll say their GOP leader have abandoned the republican principles they believe in. And most are tired of the rino squishy democrat lite republicans the hierarchy seems to want to endorse. Conservatism is making a big comeback, and the GOP better get on board…..http://cooperscopy.blogspot.com/
Mag 26
October 24th, 2009
1:00 pm
Its unbelievable how deaf and dumb these guys are. Have they not seen how they’re conservative base is growing …and how we’re getting ready to kick them to the curb!!
Roger R. Thrippleton
October 24th, 2009
1:22 pm
Newt is a prime example why we need people like Sarah Palin a free thinking, stand on principal and do the right thing politician. We need to change some rules like not allowing democrats or independents to vote in our primaries so we don’t get candidates like John McCain. We are supposed to be the conservative party so let’s start acting like it a screw the politicking. With Newt we get a slow death so you might just as well vote for the real Democrat and get it over with. – NOT –
Mike Smith
October 24th, 2009
1:51 pm
Enter your comments here
The more conservative members of the Republican Party are always being asked to look the other way when a liberal republican is running for office. Yet, it seems that when a conservative republican runs against a moderate democrat, the Rinos vote for the democrat. Maybe it’s just me but I am really tired of that crap. If Newt and the Rinos want to pull that stuff fine but please don’t ask me to worry about “party unity.” Let’s see how many moderate republicans vote for Pat Toumy in the race against Senator Spector! We do not need more “republican senators” from Maine!
the closet conservative
October 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
Sorry Mr. Newt. I agree with you 90% of the time. This time I’m with Sarah. The way to take back the Republican party is to take it away from the John McCain, Charlie Christ, and Dede Sozzafava wing of the party. Remember our mutual hero: Ronald Reagan said “Bold colors, no pastels.”
http://theclosetconservative.com
Steve
October 25th, 2009
12:04 am
George W Bush was a RINO and you all fell on your swords for him. Newt is no different from Bush. Hypocrites!!!
Conservative JWH
October 25th, 2009
12:21 am
Where do you start with this? Newt has sold his soul to a party that is losing touch with its base and a majority of Americans. How in the world can he sleep at night knowing that he has endorsed the same candidate in NY-23 as ACORN? On a scale of 1-100, with 100 being the most conservative and 1 being the most liberal, Scozzafava scored a 15! The Dem she is running against actually scored more conservative than she did! And Newt wants her in? So his decision is a practical one, how about making one based on principles and conviction? This is why the Republicans, if they are to be the party that they once were, must return to their conservative principles – the priniciples of our country’s founding – and not embrace spineless, opportunistic, compromisers like Newt, Huckabee who are nothing more than professional politicians. Sorry Newt, your number one priority should be to rebuild the country, not the GOP. Couple this with your Global Warming stance with Pelosi, and your education tour with Al Sharpton and you have been vetted as another non-representing voice obstructing the GOP
MikeLI
October 25th, 2009
9:08 am
Newt Gingrich, is part of that “Washington DC-Beltway” Mentality, that has NOT, changed since, he was House Speaker, some time ago.
They want to maintain the status quo, of the Grand Old Party, and even under the direct. and DAILY assault, of TEAM OBAMA’s, Whack O, Leftist-Progressive Politics, they still “don’t get it”.
Gingrich’s idea of “Conservatism”, is making Ronald Reagan videos, and books-projects on the Founding Fathers. They think symbolism, equals personal political philosophy, whereas in any generation, it’s Actions, that speak Louder than Words.
There exists a disconnect between the Past, and where the Party MUST GO, in the Future. This disconnect exists between the “old white man”, part of the GOP, and the necessity of embracing new ideas from EVERYONE that has been embraced, other than “the old white men”.
These “Old Timers”, for want of a better, respectful term, are what is “holding back” the Party, and NOT realizing, that they have drifted away, from the traditional Conservative Values, that the Party, once espoused, proudly.
What the grating subtext to all of this is, is that Gingrich has the unmitigated gaul, of publically supporting a candidate, that is endorsed by the Working Families Party…an ACORN political organization…AND, he has actually printed a story, supporting ACORN & the titular head of ACORN & the Working Families Party, Bertha Lewis.
These endorsements belie the internal contradictions within the GOP, and if these contradictions are NOT confronted, they will ultimately destroy, ANY attempt to retrench, for this election, and the 2010 elections.
The GOP must jettison these “Old Timer” tendendacies for the status quo, IF they want to be a part of the future of this Country.
Ultimately, like in this election, the Country will leave them….and the GOP will be a faint memory, and a footnote to history.
Holly
October 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
Why vote for someone if they are not going to win anyway? WTH?!!
If Newt or any other RINO talks folks into thinking this way, Hoffman will lose but if the voters STAY WITH THE CORE PRINCIPLES than Hoffman will win by a landslide
The parties have been using this arguement for years and after all we have been through in the last few years and the hell this year, are you going to really listen to them or are you going to get your party back into the hands of the people?
Don’t listen to that line anymore people! Wake up! Please!
Holly
October 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
BTW to the comment above about Palin?
She NEVER SAID she could see Russia from her house, Tina Fey said that. You where apparently lost in the trash Palin movement
Palin may not run in 2012 but I think she knows who is a True Conservative and she does not care about the parties. Neither do I
Ray
October 25th, 2009
8:20 pm
NEWT your lost , WAKE UP , a conservative you were now sliding left . Remember what our forefathers did , They didn’t ask the royal court of england for theyr blessing !!!!!
SPQR_US
October 26th, 2009
4:29 pm
I say keep RINO hunting until we purge all the traitors. Screw Lindsey Grahamnesty and Juan McShamnesty. What in the world would a conservative benefit to have some Amnesty supporting, tax increasing, Obamacare loving, Cap and Tax lover in the GOP? Hey John McCain, Jeb Boosh & Arlene Spector grab your Ho Olympia “yellow” Snow and check out how we are pasting you in NY 23. Oh yeah Newt, catch a clue dude it’s time for you to do your 180 about now. I’d rather lose a few of these races (looks like we’re going to win NY 23 though jerk…) than have a bunch of liberal RINO’s still in charge failing forward.
Larry B
October 26th, 2009
8:50 pm
I am sick of the political games played by Newt Gingrich, I am sick of weak republicans giving in to the left like Olympia Snowe and Lindsey Graham. We need people with some integrity in the Republican Party and we need to start now.
Tim MIller
October 27th, 2009
8:10 am
Is this not the Main reason why we are in this Position today?
The Republican Party strayed for many years away from its core conservative base, and Blindly followed party lines right off the cliff. It was these Blind short comings that created the environment for someone like Obama to get in The White House.
No here we are, The country is being dismantled one bill at a time, and where are the republicans? Where is the leadership?
Then Newt comes out and supports this woman in NY? are kidding me? He has been on every TV show pumping his message and his book with his wife, But the more I watch the more I realize he is missing something that the American conservative people have: “An Original thought & a set of balls to back it up”
We don’t need party Lines at this crisis in our history, what we need is a leader, Not a puppet nor Parrot. Someone that follows his believes, and stands by them. regardless of what the party says. The republican party has lost its right to have a seat at the table, they tried to finance it away, and then they gave it away, and we are all paying for it now.
I live in Georgia a however there is a senator from that state that impresses me allot, “Bob Corker” and I would like to hear more from him. he might be our next leader, he might not, one thing is for sure, they better get there act together before there is nothing left to lead.
Dr.Phillips
October 28th, 2009
11:11 am
Newt’s endorsement of liberal Republican Dede Scossafava in the New York 23rd special election is in my opinion out of touch with national reality. Scossafava has been an abortion rights advocate who often favors tax increases and gay marriage. Her husband is an upstate New York organizer for the union. In fact she supported the federal “card check” legislation eliminating “free choice” which would greatly increase union membership. Michelle Malkin in her article, “Dear Newt Gingrich: Meet Ronald Reagan on October 20, 2009″ reported that Gingrich invoked the former President’s name in attempting to justify his support of Scossafava.
Malkin’s Reagan quote is exactly where traditional conservative Republicans, Democrats and many Americans are in their thinking, “A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell its numbers.” I would add to Reagan’s admonition these additional words for your consideration. Any candidate for public office cannot be all things to all voters but instead must be honest, faithful to his commitments in government service, marriage, moral, traditional constitutional, and patriotic values.
In the Politico article “Newt: Hoffman support a mistake” by Andy Barr, October 26, 2009 Mr. Gingrich is quoted several times. When asked why he chose to back Scossafava he responded “Let’s just start with she is the nominee of the local party. My bias is to be for the nominee of the local party, and I don’t second guess the local party” That’s a shame Mr. Gingrich, does that infer you would support Mark Sanford for continuance as South Carolina Governor if the Republican party in that state endorsed him? I will not support someone who does not enunciate and stand for true traditional conservatism and American values, especially not for President.
Gingrich in that same article is quoted as having said that “I just think it is a mistake for the conservative movement to think splitting in the special election is a smart idea…If we give that seat to the Democrats, shame on us.” Mr. Gingrich, in my opinion, if Scossafava is elected, philosophically that’s exactly what will happen-the election of a RINO. Have your forgotten that in spite of facing pressure to endorse liberalism, many Democrats split their ticket and voted for Ronald Reagan?
Finally. Mr. Gingrich’s statement that “All of those things together make her-it seems to me-a legitimate, authentic, Republican nominee.” As a conservative, wanting to protect our constitutional freedoms and support our great nation in the face of threats to freedom and liberty, I don’t care about her validity as a Republican candidate. I want a committed conservative who stands for the principles that Ronald Reagan enunciated and for which through the years the finest of our military have given their lives, that’s freedom’s gift.
Ghosts of Republicans Past | Republicans United.
October 30th, 2009
12:02 am
[...] It’s in this brawn without the brain environment that Gingrich is now seen as a traitor, because he dares to support moderates. [...]
Nancy Harlow
October 31st, 2009
12:59 pm
In Pennsylvania, Specter promised to vote for Republican core values time and time again—-and we know how that turned out. I’m glad Scossafava dropped out (to avoid a loss?) and New York will hopefully get a real conservative in Hoffman. I’m sick of accepting moderates and ending up with rinos.
NY-23: Dominoes Fall, And A Reflection On Moderates and Women | The Latest Liberal Blogs
October 31st, 2009
5:41 pm
[...] tu, Newt? Gingrich, who once saw the Hoffman challenge as an affront to party unity, also quickly got in line to crown Hoffman as the de facto Republican [...]
NY-23: Dominoes Fall, And A Reflection On Moderates and Women | Second Reagan Revolution
October 31st, 2009
5:44 pm
[...] tu, Newt? Gingrich, who once saw the Hoffman challenge as an affront to party unity, also quickly got in line to crown Hoffman as the de facto Republican [...]