Republicans and conservatives split over special House election
Sarah Palin’s decision late last week to endorse the Conservative Party candidate over the Republican nominee in a special U.S. House election in Upstate New York is the latest example that the former Alaska governor’s allegiance is to her conservative principles rather than the party’s edicts.
“Republicans and conservatives around the country are sending an important message to the Republican establishment in their outstanding grassroots support for Doug Hoffman: no more politics as usual,” Palin wrote on her Facebook page.
She also cited President Ronald Reagan’s belief that “blurring the lines” is not the way to rebuild the party and added: “The Republican Party today has decided to choose a candidate who more than blurs the lines, and there is no real difference between the Democrat and the Republican in this race.”
Palin is the highest-profile Republican to endorse Hoffman over state Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava (R) in the Nov. 3 special election for the seat vacated by John McHugh, who President Obama named secretary of the Army. The race has rapidly developed into a battle for control of the party’s direction.
Here’s a look at the 10 (well, 11) most influential GOP politicians:
5. Haley Barbour: The chairman of the Republican Governors Association continues to keep a relatively low profile in Washington, but he remains influential behind the scenes as one of the party’s most respected strategists. With McDonnell looking like a winner and Republicans still in the game in New Jersey, Barbour could be headed for a very good election night.
Wapo
10/26/9
Magnolia Tribune
