Help From the Likes of Schwarzenegger and McCain
Less than a week left in the Virgnia primary, and guess who's coming to the party? A group representing some of the nation's most prominent middle of the road Republicans, including Sen. John McCain and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Both men serve on a goup called the Republican Main Street Partnership, which on Friday will begin airing radio ads on behalf of Sean Connaughton, a GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, and Bobby Orrock, one of those maverick GOP delegates who questioned their party's orthodoxy on taxes in 2004. The national group has also contributed money and manpower to two other delgates: Gary Reese of Fairfax and Ed Scott of Madison County.
The Connaughton ad is aimed squarely at his opponent, Sen. Bill Bolling, and accuses him of ignoring Northern Virginia's traffic woes. While horns honk and traffic reports blare in the background, an announcer says "Bill Bolling believes there is no transportation crises."
The Orrock ad calls him "our crusader for family values, our voice in Richmond."
You can download and listen to the Connaughton ad here. Find the Orrock ad here.
The Main Street Partnership has been on a roll lately. Their members brokered the deal on judges in the U.S. Senate and then pushed the House of Representatives to pass stem cell legislation. In a few days, we'll see whether their lucky streak continues with victories for Virginia's moderates.
By Michael Shear |
June 9, 2005; 3:19 PM ET
| Category:
Republicans
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Posted by: Squish | June 9, 2005 05:29 PM
Having RMSP endorse you in a Virginia GOP Primary is not the best thing in the world for you. The organization is comprised of many pro-choice and pro embryonic stem cell research Members. Not exactly the best way to convince the Conservatives to come out and vote for you.
Posted by: Taxed Out | June 13, 2005 09:39 AM
I think this is great. Two of my favorite politicians, and a whole group that runs along the lines that they do....and they are involved in an East Coast race! We need more strong Moderate voices.
Now if these guys could leave the Republican party and re-found the Bull Moose party I'd be a happy camper. Bring along some practical Democrats too of course.
Posted by: Aces | June 13, 2005 05:41 PM
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Your header and references to Arnold and McCain leave the impression that they are endorsing these candidates. They just happen to be two of the hundreds of Republicans who are part of the Republican Main Street Partnership (RMSP).
Also, if Connaughton is the 'true conservative' in the race than why is he a) telling the Wash Post he has an "open mind" on raising taxes b) being endorsed by the pro-tax increase Wash Post Editorial page and, now, c) receiving in-kind support by way of radio ads from the preeminent moderate Republican organiztion, RMSP, in America.
Nothing wrong with being a moderate, but at least have the courage of your convictions to run as who you are. Or just be smart enough to not tell the Wash Post that you have an 'open mind' on taxes...and keep RMSP from endorsing you!