Friday, March 02, 2007

• CPAC Roundup

  Each year the American Conservative Union (ACU) puts on the Conservative Political Action Conference or CPAC.  This event, always located in the Washington D.C. area, draws thousands of conservatives to listen to speeches of prominent conservatives and other invited Republicans.

   

  As noted by the Boston Globe, conservatives are in a much more foul mood than last year’s event.  Still smarting from the ’06 congressional losses, many conservatives also feel betrayed by the current slate of candidates for the Republican nomination.

   

  Tier 1

   

  McCain:  Although he’s been fairly strong on the life issue and some fiscal issues, he’s discredited for being influential in changing campaign finance laws.  At CPAC, former Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), who recently signed on with Fox News, came out and said he’d vote for anyone but McCain.  To combat this perception of being too moderate, McCain did what any sensible candidate would do, he’s skipping the entire convention.  The move could seriously backfire.

   

  Giuliani:  Don’t get conservatives started on his pro-gay, pro-abortion, anti-gun stances.  America’s Mayor is revered for his handling of the 9/11 attacks, but the love from conservatives pretty much ends there.  Conservatives also don’t forget that he’s been married three times.

   

  Romney:  Questions on past positions on gay marriage and the life issue continue to plague him.  This coupled with questions about his faith keep him from becoming a true front runner.  Nevertheless, some conservatives are pleased with the agenda he has espoused thus far.

   

  Tier 2

   

  Brownback:  Once a favorite of conservatives, Brownback has slipped in recent months for his position on illegal immigration.  His position follows closer to the President’s than it does to hardcore conservatives.

   

  Huckabee:  Still a dark horse, Huckabee continues to deal with attacks on his spending record as Governor of Arkansas.  In fact, Club for Growth, has issued several reports blasting his fiscal discipline, or lack there of.  Some conservatives would prefer him to run for Senate against Mark Pryor.

   

  Tier 2.8

   

  Hunter:  He’s a nice guy and he’s got a good record, but unfortunately, he does not have the star power of the other five candidates.  Still, he did have a strong showing at a South Carolina GOP straw poll.

  • 9:31 AM
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