Ridge said to make decision in next 2 weeks…
Political heavyweight or second-string?…
Ridge said to make decision in next 2 weeks…
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65 Comments
Ridge versus Specter. Now that would be a real choice (sarcasm), a choice between two liberals. You wouldn't be able to tell them apart. That would make a third party candidate very appealing.
I guess some of Toomey people are scared
They know deep down Ridge can beat Arlen easier then Toomey ever could ( and we all know he can't)
The PA GOP needs to wake up and ask themselves who was last true Conservative person to carry this state on statewide level? Rick almost a decade ago and thats because PA has changed with new demographics
I'd rather fully support a conservative than a squishy RINO – even it means a loss. It's time conservatives stick with their principles and nominate, then work to elect, those who share their principles and stop meandering to the middle to win. Giving in lets the squishes win. When that happens, you have only yourself to blame. If you believe in something, then stick to it.
So are you working for Arlen or Ridge???????
Sounds like anyone but Toomey.
You have to win an election before you can govern. Falling own your own sword may get you some pity. However all you did was just stab yourself.
You don't get it. We don't want governed by liberals, be they democrat or republican ones. When liberals win, America loses.
I wonder if Arlen's pulling out of the GOP was a move designed to allow the GOP Establishment to come out of hiding. The insiders were cut off from their ability to support Arlen because of Porkulus.
Now with Arlen out of the way they can rally around Ridge and drive the "extremists" out of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania.
Rallying around Ridge is the same as rallying around Specter. No diff.
The hack alert level is now at "red". They want anyone but Toomey.
Once Tom polls the PA GOP primary electorate, he'll decide to stay down in VA with his pal Santorum and keep earning $5 million lobbying foreign countries.
Not looking for pity. When you have a principle you firmly believe in, you work doubly hard to overcome the opposition at whatever cost. Sure, you may lose but you never give up. You recoup and try again and you never forget your principle and go into oblivion. Remember, every time the pendelum swings to the left, it will eventually swing back to the right.
CCPSEA – I think you nailed it. The mantra of “moderation” repeated ad nauseam by the PA GOP to lecture conservatives is self-defeating.
Their definition of “moderation” means leaning pro-abortion, support for “sensible gun control”, open to raising taxes – but only half as much as a Democrat, etc. Sounds like the definition of Ridge.
This mindset is ironic considering that Democrats have learned that they can take out Republican incumbents by running marginally pro-life, pro-gun candidates.
The new R party will have a new logo.. out with the elephant and in with the Recycling symbol……
The attacks on Tom Ridge are unfounded he did more to rebuild this party in this state then any Republicans has done in years
I still think it is laughable that anyone in their right mind considers Tom Ridge to be a "RINO" or anything but an excellent governor during his tenure from 1995-2001. Seeing how Governor Ridge is treated by so-called "conservatives" demonstrates why we shouldn't be surprised that 200,000 Republicans left the party in our state.
And on what basis are you making that assumption?
I've said it before and I'll say it again: let Ridge run so Toomey can clean the RINO clock once and for all.
These polls are too early to be any gauge of relevance.
So, which is better: to be stabbed by my own sword or stabbed in the back by another RINO?
I've growm weary of placating RINOs "for the sake of the party"; when shall they begin to placate me?
Only if Ridge runs…
This coming from a Ron Paul hack. I'm sure Ron would be proud of you.
I seem to recall that Peg Luksik ran against him twice and garnered at least 9% of the vote each time – mostly from Republicans.
Ridge didn't unify the GOP – he drove a wedge into it. Conservatives didn't like him but put up with him because they had no one else to carry the standard.
Oh Nathan, thanks for the laughs to go with my morning tea. I happen to be one of those that left the party and believe me it wasn't because of the treatment of Ridge, etc., it was because of so called republicans like him. If the party ever really gets back to its core principles (and has a set)(you know a spine) to fight for those principles instead of cowering and being dem lite I would consider being a republican again. Until then no more Rinos. Country before party.
Please explain precisely what is "conservative" about using taxpayers money to fund stadia across the Commonwealth.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill...
Ridge signed it February 9, 1999.
Dang! Dolley and I are on the same side on this!
Well, it's sad but obvious that many people who post on this site aren't serious about actually winning any elections. This is a shame.
Anyone with any basic sense of electoral politics understands that Ridge would fare much better than Toomey would in a state-wide, general election. Toomey may win a primary, but he will lose badly in a general election. As I have said before, I like and respect Toomey, so before you go trying to imply that so many of us who would be supportive of Ridge are anti-Toomey, think again. That is not the case at all. I like winning elections more, and I like actually having some influence on policy and legislation. This is the most effective means of advancing conservative principles.
Furthermore, conservatives have to stop the slash and burn mentality. If we want to have a voice, any voice at all, and if we want to make a real impact, then we have to get people elected. What good will our principles be if we have no one in elected office to stand up for them? Ridge may not be a conservative on every issue but he is a far better alternative than the traitor Specter. To suggest otherwise only demonstrates an ignorance that will keep us in the minority indefinitely, as Nathan pointed out so correctly.
Think about it objectively: Would you rather have Arlen and Casey or Ridge and Casey? If Toomey is the nominee, the "I told you so's" will be too bitter to utter.
Realist: I would suggest cracking a history book. I would advise you to turn to the chapter on the 1980 election. Pay close attention to what was said of Reagan by GOP naysayers like yourself in the run up to the primary with H.W. Bush, Connally, et al. Read it two or three times.
Run Tom, Run!
Realistically speaking, this methodology is how Specter won in 2004.
I'm foremost country before party. I'm looking for someone to represent me, not a party. I'm tired of having any party tell me who I should support or vote for. May be politically naive position for some folks, but that's how I feel.
conservatives have principals…. unfortunately conservative politicians don't … case in point, Rick Santorum's stumping for Specter in the last go round….
I like Toomey, I voted for and gave him money last time… This time out in this climate he has no chance in the general election.
Stand strong – You are in good company.
The R party is no longer the party of conservatives, people's actions: Santorum's help in getting Specter reelected and George W. Bush's liberal spending and increase in the size of government cemented that deal. It is time for us to band together and form a viable new party, much as we did with Abe Lincoln.
Reagan won it, but he opened the door for the destruction of his own movement read: http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/03/23/the-r...
The republican party as a home for conservatives time has passed. It is a shame but we must do what was with the election of Lincoln and found a new party. Specter, Ridge, W. Bush, even Santorum who turned his back on the conservative when he whored himself out and stumped for Specter against Toomey have aided in the decline of republican conservatism . I read a great column by a friend of mine a while ago. Here is the link
http://joeleonardi.wordpress.com/2007/03/23/the-r...
Do we need a 'moderate' like Tom Ridge you know, the millionaire defense contractor lobbyist living in mansion in Maryland and entwined with Big Spender George Bush. Will any self-respecting Democrat vote for a Bush crony. Ridge will be popular with the Hacks, though. like Specter. Ridge is a Specter Republican without the seniority
Did n't we just have a presidential election with two Democrats running? did not work out well for the Republicans did it. or was John McCain too conservative? Maybe the Republicans can win by running a Democrat. Wait…. that's what your recommending.
and do you think that by running as a liberal, the candidate will govern as a Limited Government conservative? Of course you have to win an election before you can govern. Please tell me something I don't know. Winning on principles that acutally advance the common wealth. that's a challenge.
If you want to vote for a liberal, shouldn't be active in Democrat primaries to pick the best liberal?
What is so conservative about Pat Toomey? centered on the Constitution? Limited Government? Free Market?
I agree. McCain lost becasue he was Obama light. We need to have a real choice in an election for a change.
No they won't support Ridge – but it sure gives the Dems lots of commerical fodder. Why would anyone want that??? Gotta check a candidates baggage – nothing like rotten election commercials all against your guy.
That was a huge mistake which he dearly paid for. He's an excellent example.
Ridge isn't Specter, but he is like McCain.
http://bamainbetween.blogspot.com/2009/05/ridgemc...
I personally don't see Toomey winning in a general election. Nor he is Barry Goldwater, his defeat is not going to create a new era. But hey, election is a year away. Anything can happen. Hopefully I'm wrong and we do get a limited governement conserative elected. Just being a realist though, don't see it happen. Sorry Bob.
AuH20, I suggest you read a book instead of lecturing on one. Reagan won because after three years, the public lost all faith in Carter. Stagflation and Iran hostages. Sorry bud, but this is not 1980. The public is still giving Obama a chance after just a few months in office. Now come 2012, well that could be 1980 all over again. Though I hold out hope that 2010 the voters will wake up and start cleaning House (and Senate too).
It had more to do with the President and Santorum rallying around him. Which still leaves me a little displeased.
I am a realist. I believe in miracles http://crnblog.org/?p=2373
Yes he did pay dearly… How much money is he making now? How much of it is from conservative supported groups, you know the one's he actually betrayed. Rick Santorum proved he is not for conservatives, Rick Santorum was and is for Rick Santorum… Maybe that is why he stumped for Specter, it is a trait they share.
The "challenged" over on Free Republic still bemoan St. Rick's ouster. I've never seen such a bunch of slow-learners in my life…….and yes, I'm working at being kind…………
I don't think the RINOs are that smart, but it is an interesting theory.
One thing is for sure: they are pleading with Ridge because they think he will be able to buck the support Toomey is getting. They're forgetting that Ridge's reputation as a weasel has only broadened over the years, not decreased.
Using that logic, McCain should have stormed through Pennsylvania…
Yeah, I wanna see Ridge crushed!
Thank The Lord
I feel as though finally someone has said what the heck needs to be said
We have lost a Senate Race and 5 Congressional Seats these past 2 cycles. Saying we were not Conservative enough is hog wash
You misunderstood me – I agree with you. Santorum paid the ultimate price for turning his back on conservatives and is a great example of what happens when you tick off the people who put you in "power." It was a terrible error in judgement on his part. Politicians seem to forget that they will be held accountable – eventually in Specter's case….
Rick turned his back on Conservatives? WTH?
I mean really who are some of these Conservative do they expect to agree 100% of time and if not they have a child tantrum over it?
I could slap some of these idiots
Conservatives wanted Arlen out in 06. Santorum used his political clout at that time to stump for Arlen. Toomey would have won if Santorum had abstained…..please, don't slap anyone.
If you don't think Ridge would have a huge GOP base of support in the general election, then I might as well go chat with a potted plant. It'd make more sense then you would be.
Just because you don't see Toomey winning, doesn't mean he won't.
But we do know Ridge won't win a GOP primary because it was the conservative base that chased Specter out!
There is an old military strategem: secure your base. Unless your home turf is solidified, you ain't goin' nowhere.
Ridge cannot unify the PA GOP base anymore than McCain was able to unify the national GOP base; were it not for Palin, McCain wouldn't have had a chance. Without a strong, loyal base, Ridge cannot win the general election.
What the RINOs are suggesting is that the PA GOP adopt the same failed strategy that McCain used in 2008: ignore the conservative base and kiss up to liberals and Democrats. Yeah, that's a winner!
You're right – we can't say we were not conservative enough – BECAUSE WE WEREN'T CONSERVATIVE AT ALL!!!
Remember, McCain ran to the left to garner Democrat and Independent votes; where did that get him?
No, we expect a candidate to stick by the values and ideals upon which he campaigned. Is that too much to ask?
Stop thinking with the failed strategies of McCain and start thinking like you actually believe something.
Leadership is based upon the willingness to lead and do the right thing; it is NOT based upon doing the expedient thing.
Clean out your ears: RIDGE WILL NOT HAVE A HUGE BASE OF GOP SUPPORT IN THE PRIMARY!!!
Unless Ridge can win the primary – which he cannot – why waste our time with speculating about the General Election?
Alright, I'm done having a battle of wits with an unarmed man. Your nonsense is a waste of my time and of bandwith. You know less about PA politics then people that don't even live in the state. But they still write inane opinions and try and pass them off as a old testament law. Feel free to have the last word, I'm done wasting my time with your nonsense. My dog has more political insight then you.
…which is why Santorum lost in 2006.
Remind me again: how will McCain's strategy to win Pennsylvania by running to the left work for Ridge when it didn't work for McCain?