Plenty of intra-party battling going on in the GOP. Tea Party activists find themselves losing positions in the Republican party as McCain moderates take out conservative leaders in several legislative districts. LD11, 18, 19, 22 have all been won over to the McCain moderate wing of the party leaving Tea Party members with no authority. An email has made it to my inbox that demonstrates the attitude of the moderates toward Tea Party Republicans:
“So, the worst thing they can do is start thinking.” That is the mantra and the hope of the Tea Party toward their Republican brethren. Over the past couple of years we have allowed the Tea Party to hijack the Republican Party and lift from its foundations our core values. They have done so in our election; they have done so in our party; and, worst yet, they have done so with our help. What is next is there will no longer be a distinction between the Tea Party and Republicans.
More and more the line between Tea Partiers and Republicans is becoming thinner and less distinguishable. The messages may be the same, but the tones are completely different. If the Tea Party movement ceases to exist today, tomorrow or in the near future, it will not be because it has or its members have become irrelevant or marginalized. They will disappear because they will have been incorporated into the Republican Party. That is, the Republican Party is marching towards a more extreme conservative ideology. As evidence points when moderate Republicans speak up they are automatically tagged as a “RINO” or “Liberal.”
The current confrontation taking shape in LD 22 is a prime example of internal unrest, dissatisfaction and extreme rhetoric, that in the end, puts on the shelf once again rationale and a moral code that simply has no, and we cannot allow it to have no, one soul authority. The divisive division within the party will only make us more vulnerable to our common foe and flutter our collective goals of limited government, free-market economy and restoring constitutional verity.
–
Cheers,
Name Redacted
District 8 leadership is also controlled by the elite of the Political Class (McCainiacs).
We need to send them a message at the January organizational meeting elections that the PCs control the Party, not McCain and the Political elite.
Thanks for the insight SA! I always wondered how RINOs recruited each other: “Are you sufficiently weak on the Republican Platform?” “Do you favor hiring illegal aliens over Americans?”
LD-8 made a lot of progress electing conservative state committeemen.
In January ’10 the MCRC swept five new conservative MAL over a competing RINO slate. We know Maricopa County only got even stronger since then. January 8th will only be a good warm-up to the fun Arizona conservatives will have on January 22nd.
All of America gets it now…establishment Republicans are part of the problem.
This is the last gasp of the “Ruling Class” hacks!
The current problems faced by both state and nation have been their creation over the past two decades and the rank and file are “wising up”!
All that’s needed is a bit more tactical sophistication, and the phoney selfish quasi liberal “elites” and their entourages will be nothing more than a bad memory
PINAL COUNTY GOP JUST SWEPT EVRERYBODY OUT OF OFFICE – CONSERVATIVES, TOO! ELECTED 100% TEA PEOPLE TO OFFICES THROUGHT THE COUNTY GOP STRUCTURE. TEA PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. IT’S JUST NUTS! A NIGHTMARE WILL FOLLOW.
As someone who was just elected to the board in LD22, and as someone who bitterly opposed the re-election of Rick Romley, who was all-to-quick to subvert justice on McCain’s behest (hey, newcomers, do some research on Tom Goinsky to figure out what I’m talking about), and as someone who think Grant Woods should be drummed out of the Republican party, I take offense at the thought that “McCain moderates” took over LD22.
Yeah, I voted for John McCain. He’s at least 51% conservative, and older than dirt – with the corresponding seniority to match. I really doubt he’ll run again, and if he does, he’ll get creamed. What was my alternative? JD Hayworth? A man who helped bankrupt the US government with Bush’s prescription drug plan? A man who did every single thing that was asked of him by George Bush – the man who (prior to Obama) expanded government beyond any other President since FDR?
There are two types of conservatives – traditional Goldwater-type conservatives who are deeply suspicious of government power and believe in minimalist government expansion, and neo-conservatives. who seem to think questioning absolute government control is somehow un-American.
I am far, far more scared of the US Government than I am of any Islamic nutjob terrorist.
We, as a nation, are broke. John McCain and JD Hayworth helped lead us down that path. The TSA is a massively organized, unionized force that has had it indoctrinated into them that to question their actions is somehow un-American. Banks have robbed the American taxpayer blind, and large businesses are subverting the police power of the state to improve their market position.
In Arizona, we let Janet Napolitano run roughshod over sound economic policy and now our state is short a billion dollars.
We are in an absolute, unGodly mess, and saying that “McCain moderates” are taking over only shows that some so-called “Republicans” are still concerned with litmus tests rather than the mission at hand – getting an out-of-control, growing governmental monster to stop before our country is torn apart.
McCain is one of our Senators, for the next 6 years. But to think that he’s some spider at the center of a monstrous web is to give him way too much credit. I will treat him with civility and respect befitting a US Senator, but I would be very, very surprised to ever vote for him again, and certainly would dispute that I’m a “McCain moderate.”
The “Tea Party” – a very loose term indeed – would be better served at figuring out how their country was robbed blind by both Democrats and Republicans rather than busily trying to tear down those of us who have been fighting to defend America against leftism for many years before they came on the scene. Yeah, some “establishment Republicans” need to go. But make sure you have someone decent to replace them with, and don’t lump everyone who doesn’t agree with you on 100% of the issues with “the other side.”
Lets begin with the premise that McCain (and those who adhere to his perspectives) are at best “moderates” and at worst simply “progressive light”. With everything its a sliding scale, just like those who are “right of center”.
Its no secret that McCain wants to make the Arizona GOP the “John McCain GOP” with the single purpose of retaining those politician incumbents who committed a breach of “the Contract with America” over a decade ago.
Business as usual (the moderate approach) will as we have seen in the recent election, but the death kneel of the GOP.
They have to evolve and adapt to the country’s move to the right of center no matter how shrill the call of the left remains.
Failure to heed the message of the voters this election will be at their own peril.
The election of a state party leadership that is “top down” in lock step with the Senators will simply lead to defeat in 2012 by an increasing number of “Independents” who find the GOP’s “Big Tent” an experiment in failure.
Politics is all about survival. To survive, the moderates might wish to review their platform positions.
Name Redacted = Reality Redacted
It never ceases to amaze me how many AZ republicans claim they hate evil senator McCain, but in the very same breath say they voted for him.
The republican party has done a wonderful job of setting up LD armies who willingly go out and stump for evil liberals just because he has an (R) after his name.
Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil. And the LD republican party reps actively promote that evil while they believe they are doing good. I don’t know whether I should laugh or cry.
LD 22 Tea Party – had a legislative candidate that was a founder of the Tea Party in AZ. She came in 4th place in the election. Does that show the strength of the tea party? Now the Tea Partiers are aligned with Andy Biggs and Eddie Farnsworth to elect Jeff Smith as the Chair. They actually think that they are fighting for the people when they will just be hiring a lap dog for the same good ol boys that have run gilbert for years. Jeff Smith only stepped in to run after the first challenger for Chair, Erin Scroggins, pulled out after he lost the district election.
What a freakin soap opera. Tea Party cry babies should give it up and start working on some accountability from the electeds. Scroggins pulled out because he would have been exposed as a fake Republican – he endorsed an independent over McCain. If he was a man, he would just re-register and do what he wants, but an elected Rep PC should not endorse non-republicans.
Glenn Beck warns us about these fake republicans that talk about unity and fighting for principles when they are really just trying to pull our party apart. Most of these tea party people dont have enough background on govt or politics to understand how badly they are being used. If they are real republicans they would not support politicians that take public money to run their elections or support tax increases. The Tea Party in district 22 is being used by the legislators to get a do-nothing chairman. Jeff Smiths main reason for running seems to be to represent the “citizen class”. That sounds like communism to me. Jeff smith should explain his socialist beliefs and stop trying to destroy the republican party.
In most cases I agree with the teaparty. Well, I am a teapartier!
But sometimes in ferver and ignorance, the teaparty can do some stupid stupid things.
In pinal county, they failed to elect Sharon Giese to State Committeeman, which means the teaparty lost themselves a guaranteed national committeewoman FROM THEIR OWN COUNTY!
Retarded.
While the McCainiac LIBERALS (they are NOT moderates) were sweeping the east valley and LD11, conservatives staged huge comebacks in LD6 and LD7, kicking the McCainiacs out and poking “the liberal Johns” (McCain, Kyl and Shadegg) in the eye.
Bob, (if that’s your real name)
Your tactics are very transparent. Yes, it’s true I did not vote for John McCain in the general election because I only vote for true Republicans, which means I vote for Republicans that adhere to the Republican Party Platform. Here are the numerous issues I have with John McCain:
1. He supports embryonic stem cell research.
2. He was (and I contend, still is) for amnesty before he was against it and will probably be for it again now that he’s not running for re-election.
3. He believes in Man-made Global Warming.
4. He authored the MCain-Feingold bill that limits free speech, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court.
I am a Constitutional Conservative first and foremost. I will fight against politicians that claim to be Republican yet whose policies are to the contrary. When the Republican Party holds true to its Platform I’m 100% onboard. When “Maverick” politicians decide they know what’s best for our country and do it under the banner of the Republican Party I’m 100% against it.
You referenced Glenn Beck, probably trying to convince people that you are not what you really are. Glenn Beck has even labeled John McCain as a Progressive. You see, those of us that actually watch Glenn Beck and believe in his message know that. Which is why I suspect you may be, as what Rush Limbaugh refers to as a “Seminar Caller” so let’s call you a “Seminar Blogger”
On a side note, the email referenced above in the original post is from Steve Viramontes, another Progressive working under the banner of the Republican Party.
Scenario: Tea People become the new establishment Republicans. Be careful of that poke in the eye thingy, as the Tea People will probably get poked in another place in a few years’ time!
In my above post I referenced Steve Viramontes, he corrected me, it should be Stephen. The better term for Stephen would be Political Opportunist as opposed to Progressive, although both might apply.
When Joe Blow gets mad at the Federal Government, he starts a TEA Party, flirts with the Libertarian Party, and declares everyone else liberal or corrupt. When the Arizona State Legislature is mad at the Federal Government, it starts a (so-called) militia.
Who’s your Daddy, now?
Good Lord!! I am sure we’ll be seeing the TeaParty people ultimately giving way to the RHINO’s with favors, appointments & jobs. It works every time.
Might want to read a new book out about Americans who actually take a stand. I’ll be giving it out during the holidays. It’s a thriller.
http://www.booksbyoliver.com
If the TeaParty can start choosing the right candidates then they can survive cause America is needing a new party. McCain seems to bend with the wind & is an unknown especially after his election.
Good article, SA. Thanks!
Thanks for the “name ID” Scroggins.
Question: How am I “Progressive working under the banner of the Republican Party”? Because if you knew anything about me or saw my political resume it would prove I am too a Constitutional Conservative, but my interpretation is not one sided. But I guess since I am not a TEA Partier I’m guilty by disassociation.
Why is someone who is not a member of the TEA Party thats holds to the same principles & values labeled a’Liberal’,'RINO’, ‘Progressive’?
Simply stated, the vast majority of the TEA Party have no organic deliberation. And they allow the likes of Glenn Beck and Cleon Skousen to dictate their thought process.
I can’t put this next bit simply because the encroached messaging and positions of the TEA Party are synthetic with an abrasive tenor. The lack of harmony found in the rhetoric makes any discussions premised on logic & reason impractical. Therefore resulting in Conservative segregation on the basis of communication, not foundation.
Don’t forget the fake teaparty legal entities that McCain has been going around funding and supporting in order to confuse good, patriotic, conservative Americans.
It amazes me how little respect the commentors on this blog have for our representatives. Senator Jon Kyl and Congressman Shadegg have not only been leaders in the GOP, they haven’t hesitated to challenge the Party when necessary. They have been stalwarts in Congress, standing up for each and every one of us, doing the best job they possibly could to best represent ALL of their constituents. And, what do they get in return? Name calling and character asassinations by a bunch of people who are too cowardly to past their names and who claim to be “true conservatives” and know what “real leadership” looks like. Take a look – they ARE real leaders. They have conducted themselves far above the fray which is more than can be said about most of you.
It’s truly a shame. The dialog in these comments and on this blog are what turn good people away from politics.
John Shadegg: “I believe the Republican Party in Arizona has been hurt very badly by the image created by those who have been most outspoken in their attacks on the illegal immigration issue, who have created the appearance that Republicans are xenophobic, that seem by their comments and are by their comments intolerant.”
right…so you grassroots Arizona Republicans just shut-up about the illegal immigration issue. We’re Congressmen, we know what’s best for you. Importing 20 million more democrat voters is just what this country needs.
Jon Kyl: “I always have the view that the role of the state party is to elect Republicans to office. Period. The role of elected officials is to take positions on issues and to represent the people of the whole state. The political parties are more to represent the people within the party in a political context. What that means is, they need to register voters. They need to raise money for the candidates. They need to get-out-the-vote on Election Day. Those are the main things a political party does.”
Kyle, see where all the “respect” comes from for our representatives?
No problem Viramontes. Stand tall and be proud of your TEA Party bashing comments. It’s very SOBERING
isn’t it? When you make a statement like this.. “…the Republican Party is marching towards a more extreme conservative ideology.” That’s the battle cry for RINOs. Anytime those of us criticize so-called Republicans for wanting to compromise their principles (if they have any) to expand government and take away our freedoms, we are said to be using “extreme rhetoric” and harsh tones. Well lace up your girdle and pull up your skirt because this is just the beginning.
Sharon Giese can still run for National Committeewoman, as Randy Pullen can still run for Treasurer of the RNC. This is separate from the State Party.
The RNC Committeemen are elected by AZ State Convention delegates, not state committeemen.
Sharon Giese can still run for National Committeewoman, as Randy Pullen can still run for Treasurer of the RNC. This is separate from the State Party.
The RNC Committeemen are elected by AZ State Convention delegates, not state committeemen.
Oops….don’t know how that happened.
@ Erin.
You still have not answered my questions.
You claim that I am a RINO based on a few observational statements and you don’t bother checking where I am on policy and/or principles prior to normative branding. Which illustrates my point perfectly, that most TEA Partiers do not want the facts when it contradicts their perceived notion even when hits them in the face.
Old time conservatives quoted Russell Kirk and Bill Buckley and Joe Sobran, now it’s all Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh.
Is this a result of radio overtaking print as the medium that nourishes conservatives? Are people more influenced by hearing rather than reading? In a few years will I just get all my opinions from blogs like this?
“Hi I am a Tea Partier!”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnUfPQVOqpw
Viramontes – Why does Erin need to explain why you are a progressive? It looks like you are doing a pretty good job yourself with your email and blog posts.
Erin,
You said the following –
“Your tactics are very transparent. Yes, it’s true I did not vote for John McCain in the general election because I only vote for true Republicans, which means I vote for Republicans that adhere to the Republican Party Platform. Here are the numerous issues I have with John McCain:”
I agree, my tactics are transparent. I am seek to expose you for the non-Republican that you are. You dont get to pick the Republican candidates. The party faithful get to pick. If you want to start a “constitutional party” with your own litmus tests then go ahead. But you cant hijack the Republican party and pick and choose when you are going to support the party!
You are not honorable or principled. If you were, you would not have run for Chairman of a party which you only believe in when you see fit. Then after you forced a re-vote on the Chairmans election, you bow out and recruit another trojan horse by the name of Jeff Smith. Maybe the 3rd time will be the charm. Tell Andy and Eddie and the rest of the kings of Gilbert that they should stop crying and accept the new legitimate chairman. You guys can have your secret meetings and plot and scheme and try to find some hook or crook to win. But there are patriots left that will fight sleezy people like you to the end.
District 22 is hilarious. Check out Anita Christys blog http://www.gilbertwatch.com She whines about “conservatives” being left off the state committeman list and rants about how conservatives should always be conservatives.
Then she rants about the outgoing D22 Chair Chad Haywood being a flaming liberal because he suggested asking for a fee waiver for meeting rooms from the town of gilbert. A charge of $40.
Didnt her hero Andy Biggs pass a state law to get free fire service for his County Island neighborhood to the tune of Millions of dollars? Wasnt that a little self serving since his neighbors lost their Rural Metro coverage because they didnt pay their fees? Is that Conservative? How about her other hero, Eddie Clean Elections Farnsworth? Did you enjoy your seeing your tax dollars spent on Eddies mail pieces to get elected? Wheres the conservative values in those two? Oh yeah, they get the pass because they know better, they are divinely inspired and know more than the rest of us. Tea Party people prepare to get burned if you follow those guys. They will blow you off as soon as they get sworn in. They probably have already dissed Tea Party Kelly a hundred times and she probably thinks its going to stop.
@ Jared.
What is your definition of a ‘Progressive’ and how do I fit that mold? Please explain because you are obviously more interested in character assassination than facts or rational debate; considering all I am hearing from you is the same pathetic name calling.
@LadmoLives,
You are absolutely correct. Andy Biggs and Eddie Farnsworth are false conservatives. I take that back, they are not conservatives at all. They are fakes.
@Kyle #22,
Yes, Kyle, I have no respect for the liberal Shadegg and Kyl.
Shadegg voted to STEAL over one trillion dollars from us to pay foreign and domestic banks for their FAILURES in the first TARP. Kyl confirmed in the Senate.
Kyl is no less Mr. Amnesty than Shadegg and was the author of the 2005 Kyl/Cornryn Amnesty Bill which, thank goodness, never passed.
So, go take your liberal values and stick em!
Kyl, along with McConnell and the rest of the limp Richard “conservative” Republican senators had NO STRATEGY in the Senate for mucking up the works using the Senate Standing Rules and could have delayed, delayed, delayed the vote on Obamacare easily past Easter of 2010, all the while using their filibuster power and the extra time to really make the case to the American people about how Obamacare was unconstitutional and socialistic and a fraud. Yet, they did nothing. Why? Because neither of them fear a primary challenger. Well, maybe now Kyl does.
We are still at less than 45 per cent participation in the PC ranks in Maricopa County — but that is changing.
Go here to learn more:
http://www.redstate.com/coldwarrior/2010/12/04/they-stopped-complaining-about-the-republican-party-and-did-something-about-it/
For Liberty,
Cold Warrior
Good Lord:
Cold Warrior: Please stop cross-posting the same complaints about Kyl across multiple threads.
As for Erin Scroggins, I supported Adam for chairman over Erin. I also was proud to help Erin nearly get elected to the town council.
Personally, I couldn’t care less that Erin endorsed-then-un-endorsed Ian Whoever for Senator. Erin, like many other people I respect, threw their heart & soul into the JD Hayworth campaign. I wish he could have backed the Republican nominee, but ultimately it didn’t matter. I can understand how people who were close to JD might want to vote for ANYONE other than McCain.
If Erin was Grant Woods and made it a routine practice to endorse Dems I’d be singing a different tune. But Erin’s a good Republican.
The 2008 County Bylaw prohibiting a PC from endorsing a non-Republican is ridiculous. Every now and then, we nominate a dog. Sorry. Sometimes it happens. And, there is debate as to whether LD22 really comes under the county bylaws. I opposed the “Say no evil” bylaw when Haney and his buddies were supporting it. They were obviously hoping to find a use for it against who they think the “McCain people” are.
However, shoe’s on the other foot. Now SOME of those who opposed Erin seek to use that same, flawed bylaw as an excuse to attack him. As I said, I supported – and still support – Erin’s opponent, Adam Armer for LD22 chair. However, there is no disputing Erin is a conservative, and I don’t really want to read any more about the whole “He endorsed Ian” garbage. I don’t care. Most PC’s don’t care.
As for Erin’s role in calling for the LD22 re-election, it is my understand that was provoked by someone (NOT Erin) going to Rob Haney and complaining about the proxy policy. I understand Erin went along with it when he was asked about it, but did not take an active role in seeking a new election – earlier, I had thought he was at least partially driving that bus, but I think now that I was mistaken.
Erin stepped aside – albeit with a few more slaps at Adam – to allow Jeff Smith to run instead for LD22 chairman. Erin also did not – far as I know – come to the LD22 meeting, possibly reasoning that his presence would only have inflamed tensions. I don’t know the whole story. I do know that Erin’s ok in my book. He helped halt the Gilbert Sales Tax, and we’re going to need him working for Republican causes in the years to come, and dragging out the McCain/Hayworth/Deakin/Ian Somebody crap helps NO ONE.
“The 2008 County Bylaw prohibiting a PC from endorsing a non-Republican is ridiculous.”
No, it is not.
If you are a PC, you are a party OFFICER.
You still have the option of PRIVATELY supporting whomever you want with your dollars and vote.
However, PUBLICLY, when you CHOOSE to run for a party OFFICE (which a PC is), you are CHOOSING to be a leader in the party.
At that point, ethically speaking, once the primary is over, your options are
a) publicly support the party candidate or
b) shut up
I dispise McCain. However, once the primary is over, if he’s the guy, I shut my mouth and go work on other things.
Non-endorsement of other party candidates DOES NOT MEAN you have to support or endorse the party’s candidate, it just means you cannot ENDORSE (which is public) another party’s candidate.
What is so hard about that. If you don’t like it RESIGN.
My problem with the bylaw is threefold:
1. Sometimes our party -rarely, very rarely, but it happens – nominates a total idiot.
2. More importantly, what constitutes an endorsement? In this age, if I was to write in a public blog post, “So & So GOP nominee is an idiot, I’m gonna vote for the Dem who at least is honest:, is that an endorsement? Would that get me thrown out?
3. This bylaw seems to be nothing more than yet another tool Republicans can use to savage each other. Blech.
All that being said, if anyone has any ideas on how to get rid of Grant Woods, I’m willing to listen. He’s gotta go.
The Tea Party is going to continue to grow. The GOP “moderates” are hiding behind a phony rhetoric They are entrenched incumbents, NOT “moderates.”
If they were truly “moderate” who’d be complaining? They’re part of controlling, taxing and hobbling this nation, attacking anyone who dares threaten their hold on power.
Who would care if they stayed in power a 100 years of they governed a low-tax,low spend, sensible national defense, sensible regulated society? But they aren’t doing that.
Inexplicable,really. They’re condemning their own chldren and grandchildren to a lower standard of living, with far less personal and national security than they had. So then, what consideration does anyone else get if raw self-preservation isn’t even stimulated amongst these entrenched incumbents?
Kyle said: “It amazes me how little respect the commentators on this blog have for our representatives. Senator Jon Kyl … have not only been leaders in the GOP, they haven’t hesitated to challenge the Party when necessary. They have been stalwarts in Congress, standing up for each and every one of us, doing the best job they possibly could”
Kyle or Kyl or whoever, it amazes me how little respect Senators Kyl and McCain have for the rank and file members of their own party. And to paint Jon Kyl in the same brush strokes with an honorable conservative such as John Shadegg indicates just how little you actually know about the politics and practices of both gentlemen.
Evidence of their lack of respect? Every two years the AzFRW invites them to their bi-annual convention and, they usually RSVP in the affirmative and at the last minute can’t manage to show up. And yet they count on those ladies to gather petition signatures and host fund raising events for them.
They’ve been standing up the AzFRW for almost two decades now. Oh, and a TV monitor message from somewhere else doesn’t count.
See how these guys treat the Republican women of Arizona, and that’s how these guys regard the rank-and-file of the party.
Veritas, your conservative John Shadegg voted FOR the $700 Billion TARP. Likely the first salvo leading to the entire Tea Party movement. Like Kyl, he wants Republicans to shut the he** up too. He considers patriotic Republicans to be intolerant xenophobes.
“I believe the Republican Party in Arizona has been hurt very badly by the image created by those who have been most outspoken in their attacks on the illegal immigration issue, who have created the appearance that Republicans are xenophobic, that seem by their comments and are by their comments intolerant.” John Shadegg
Isn’t it interesting Jan Brewer has achieved national rock-star status for appearing to crack down on illegal immigration? Where has the DC delegation been? Not cracking down on illegal immigration, obviously.
I’m tolerant of law abiding immigrants anxious to assimilate in America. Growing increasingly intolerant of elitist representatives like Shadegg and Kyl in Washington, however.
Calabrese said:
“My problem with the bylaw is threefold:
1. Sometimes our party -rarely, very rarely, but it happens – nominates a total idiot.”
As a District 22 freedom fighter I reserve the right to be required to support any idiot the party nominates, whether Rob Haney likes it or not. So there.
And #4, the ban on sparklers was an egregious restriction on our constitutional rights. Good thing they removed that ban before they removed the ban on concealed weapons, at least we have our priorities straight! I think. No wait, guns are more important than sparklers, reverse what i said.
@Calabrese … sparklers never saved a life, hand guns have. So, indeed guns are more important than sparklers.
Armed we are citizens, unarmed we are subjects.
Huh? I never said anything about sparklers.