From the diaries by Erick.
Is Carly Fiorina pro-life? The question has come to the fore of late, as she publicly contemplates a candidacy for United States Senate against Barbara Boxer — and as her opponent for the California Republicans’ nomination in that race, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, has publicly questioned her pro-life credentials. (Full disclosure: I’m a member of the DeVore campaign, so read the following with Reagan’s appropriated Russian dictum to “trust, but verify,” in mind.) An examination of the Fiorina record on this topic reveals worrying inconsistencies.
Any review of Fiorina’s pro-life convictions must acknowledge that for the past 20 months, when pressed on the issue, she has declared herself “pro-life.” This is laudable, and as it should be: the Republican Party is the natural political home for the majority of Americans who do not believe in the Democratic agenda of unrestricted abortion-on-demand, and so it makes sense that a would-be Republican nominee for office would endorse that point of view.
Unfortunately, it is all too easy to question the depth of Fiorina’s commitment to the pro-life cause. These questions range from the legitimate to the ungenerous. Among the latter would be noting, as many have, that Fiorina never uttered a public word on the topic, nor lent any support to pro-life activism, before embarking upon her political career. Indeed, pre-2008 media reports on Fiorina almost uniformly describe her as “pro-choice” — for example, this 2004 San Jose Mercury-News piece, in which “Republican insiders said Fiorina [is] moderate and pro-choice.” Like the father welcoming the prodigal son, we should laud the turn to what’s right. We should also note what it signifies: if Carly Fiorina says she is pro-life now, that is at minimum evidence of a California Republican base that embraces a conservativism and compassion that do it profound credit.
Legitimate questions about Fiorina’s pro-life credentials arise from her activism as a McCain-campaign spokesperson in the 2008 election. (Readers may recall that she served as our party nominee’s surrogate until a series of foot-in-mouth moments forced the campaign to withdraw her from public view.) During this period, concurrent with her first-ever public pronouncements of “pro-life” sympathies, Carly Fiorina was dispatched by the McCain campaign to court a series of pro-abortion audiences. The record of these appearances is, to be charitable, deeply strange for an avowed pro-lifer.
A short sampling of events, gleaned from a quick survey of press from that period, is as follows:
In June 2008, Fiorina assured a group of politically active women (reported in some outlets to have been discontented Clinton supporters) in Columbus, Ohio, that John McCain “has never signed on to efforts to overturn Roe vs. Wade.” Why would a pro-lifer regard this as a positive attribute to be touted? Why would a pro-lifer sign on as a surrogate for that sort of candidate?
In August 2008, Fiorina stood next to one Debra Bartoshevich, a Hillary Clinton partisan, at a press conference, and did not correct Bartoshevich when she said, “Going back to 1999, John McCain did an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle saying that overturning Roe v. Wade would not make any sense, because then women would have to have illegal abortions.” Why would a pro-lifer stand on stage and remain silent when the candidate for whom she speaks is portrayed as pro-abortion? In September 2008, Fiorina used the phrase, “reproductive rights,” “at a tea in Minneapolis for business women attending the Republican National Convention,” to describe the ability to secure an abortion. It is quite possible to read too much into a turn of phrase — yet veteran pro-life activists know well that “reproductive rights” is emphatically not how the push for abortion-on-demand is described on our side. It’s a curious error, and a red flag to those invested in the movement.
It seems fairly clear that Carly Fiorina was asked to deliver the message to some groups that John McCain was not particularly pro-life. For whatever reason, the McCain campaign viewed her as a good and trustworthy carrier of this message. We are therefore presented with the strange spectacle, in 2008 and since, of Fiorina proclaiming her pro-life sentiments for the first time, even as she amassed a record of publicly delivering a series of cues to the contrary.
We are left with the question of what to make of this. Was Carly Fiorina simply being a good soldier and demonstrating poor judgment? Or was she giving a wink and a nod to her actual, as opposed to her stated, views? Charity demands we assume the former — even if it is not the mark of a presumptive United States Senator. Being personally pro-life, of course, is not the same as being actively and meaningfully pro-life in the public square. After all, even Jerry Brown is “personally pro-life.”
Pro-lifers should congratulate Carly Fiorina for her belief in the sanctity of life. But if she wants to claim it as a credit to her electoral ambitions, she has a long road ahead — and some explaining to do about the road behind.
— Joshua Treviño is a consultant for U.S. Senate candidate Chuck DeVore, who has a 100% rating on life and family issues from the Capitol Resource Institute.
KnightsofMalta
Dan Spencer
Moe Lane
Steve Maley
Dan McLaughlin
Caleb Howe
Thanks Josh
Cheryl (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:14PM EST (link)I have a problem with candidates who suddenly proclaim their pro life creds when they decide to run for office. Has Carly made financial contributions to support pro life causes such as Crisis Pregancy Center or participated in other fundraising efforts that support life?
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
yes Cheryl, there are way too many candidates do just that.
penguin2 (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:35PM EST (link)I am not familiar with California politics, but am now paying attention due to the need to differentiate between a conservative candidate and a Republican candidate in the primary. Earlier today this issue about Florina came up in James Richardson’s diary. His take was critical of Devore questioning Carly’s pro-life “credentials.”
Discussion about how deep a candidate’s pro-life convictions go came up. There is a significant difference between the ones that say they are “personally opposed” but support “the law” or “choice” for others and those that are willing to publicly take a strong stand and show moral convictions against abortion. Too many politicians are guilty of the former. Josh gives several examples that make it reasonable to question the true position of a candidate on abortion, not the politically correct one.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. – Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. – Vassar Bushmills
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots
Jeez it's 14 months to the election.
Vegas_Rick (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:18PM EST (link)Are we going to have to suffer through competing shills for the candidates until it’s over?
No single issue determines whether a candidate is viable or not. Not even abortion.
I’m not a Fiorina fan, I think she blew it as the CEO of HPQ.
“God is great, beer is good and people are crazy.”- Billy Currington
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge.
I think we need a debate
Neil Stevens (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:06PM EST (link)This, the primary season, is the time in which we are going to argue this.
And I think Josh and James both deserve better than to be called shills. Come on.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
You're absolutely correct, Neil.
Vegas_Rick (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:32PM EST (link)My choice of words was very poor. My apologies, to both gentlemen.
And, of course we need a debate. I suppose it IS that time again
“God is great, beer is good and people are crazy.”- Billy Currington
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge.
Unless CA changed its primary schedule when I wasn't looking
drothgery Tuesday, August 25th at 10:57PM EST (link)The primary isn’t until next June. This is still preliminary sniping; it’s not even primary season yet (also why I wouldn’t put much faith in polls showing Babs as vulnerable; if she still looks vulnerable next spring, then we’ve got something).
Shills no, single issue, also no.
get2djnow (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:10PM EST (link)This issue is the one that kills the GOP in California. There’s a time when making the good the enemy of the perfect is just plain stupid. Until the SCOTUS is on board, this issue won’t get much better for Conservatives than it is right now. Cheer for what we have and try to change the mind of the people who get abortions. Find candidates that can get elected who aren’t absolute RINOs and the heck with everything else.
As for shills: DeVore has ZERO (0) % chance of being the junior senator from California. Sorry. Not going to happen. To the extent that a high profile person, probably a woman can beat Boxer, I’m happy that there are other primary candidates who can push things to the right.
A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson (26 Mar 1984 – 28 Sep 2005) Killed by an IED during OEF, probably of Iranian origin, but aided by having predictably scheduled logistics convoys.
“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7)
“Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever.” (Genesis 13:14)
“For those who are with us here today before Hashem our God and (also) those who are not here with us today.” (Deuteronomy 29:14)
I agree with Vegas Rick
Kate_Shanahan (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:36PM EST (link)No fan of Fiorina here either. Watched her heavy-handed ego-driven actions at HP..
She’s just another power-hungry beltway wannabe. We can’t afford any more mistakes up there.
Kate
“It is the American vice, the democratic disease which expresses its tyranny by reducing everything unique to the level of the herd.” Henry Miller
Kate you're right, "we can't afford any more mistakes up there"
penguin2 (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:56PM EST (link)I was writing while you and Vegas posted. I understand what you both said about the candidates and the hot air blowing between them. The problem: this is about the Primary for the Republican candidate.
This stuff is going to come out and be discussed because they are each going to try and make their case to the base. I’m beginning to think a correlation can be made between people’s beliefs on abortion and how accepting they are going to be regarding the very serious proposals in the Health Care bill/debate. As in how willing they are to compromise and reach across the aisle. As in a John McCain moment. If they are weak and squishy on important issues to us, we land up paying for the mistakes over and over again.
Maybe I’m out in left field on this, but it is worth considering.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. – Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. – Vassar Bushmills
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots
No correlation in my mind
kaym1246 (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 3:40AM EST (link)I’m going to be severly thumped on with this comment but I’m a pro-”choicer” – meaning: no late term abortions, no taxpayer money for abortions, under 18 years of age you must have a parent’s consent and I know of no place where you can walk in that morning and get an abortion so having a “wait time” is equivalent to making an appointment next week so there will be plenty of time to contemplate. I do believe in the morning after pill and abortions up to the 3rd month but really, any person who’s going to have an abortion will be have the personal responsibility of figuring out their missed cycle, going to the nearest walmart to get a pregnancy test and then deciding what to do – which means the abortion will take place within 6-8 weeks. So I’m a pro-”choicer”.
Having said the above, there is nothing NOTHING in the current healthcare bill/debate that I would cross the aisle to support.
If the issue were just healthcare portability, a clean bill with wording that fit on an 8×11 piece of white paper, that didn’t need 2 lawyers to confer on it, everyone should be for it. Why should your healthcare and your doctor be dependent on your employer’s wishes? Health insurance should be like car insurance. You buy it and it stays with you where ever the road may take you.
If you're a pro-"choicer" there isn't much I can say
penguin2 (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 10:58AM EST (link)to change your mind. It certainly isn’t the way I believe and I would like fewer people to think along the lines you describe. All life to me is sacred and a gift from God. I do see that a society that actively destroys it babies, can deteriorate to actively ending other stages of life.
IMO, politicians who take a public stance of accepting abortion, while saying they personally abhor it, are quite capable of other compromises for end of life issues. I also can see how candidates can get quite squishy for any other none healthcare issues. In other words, be a RINO vs. a Conservative. My belief system is geared towards electing Conservatives and to restore the America our Founding Fathers created and hoped we would be able to sustain. I also believe they accepted the sanctity of human life.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God. – Benjamin Franklin
When Good stands up to Evil, Evil blinks. – Vassar Bushmills
Conservative Education: Suggested Reading List
Activists Taking Action: Unified Patriots
So what would you call Babs Boxer ?(nt)
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:00PM EST (link)______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
Steve, this is the primary
Neil Stevens (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:10PM EST (link)The choices are DeVore and Fiorina, not Boxer and Fiorina.
Maybe you just want to abolish primaries and send conservatives to the salt mines of Utah, but until then we do still have a say in this state’s party!
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
We had the choice between a real conservative
Cheryl (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:41PM EST (link)and a moderate for govenor not all that long ago. I see a repeat. Logic says go with the one with deep pockets, a name, lots of friends in DC. I’m tired of it. This state has conservatives. This state will vote for conservatives. Remember Ronald Reagan?
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
There was no primary in the recall election
Neil Stevens (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:46PM EST (link)Don’t give up hope. Arnie beat McClintock 48-13, and you know one got a lot more Rs than the other. And that was without the benefit of a primary.
There’s a primary this time. On our terms.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
If I were DeVore
Cheryl (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:58PM EST (link)I’d hit every inland city between Redding and Sacramento, Modesto, down to the Grapevine, that’s red country and it’s red hot angry right now over the water situation. Morgan Hill down 101 through Paso Robles, SLO, Pismo down to Sherman Oaks. Pass by LA. Forget SF. Talk conservatism, conservatism, conservatism.
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
He is. ;-)
Joshua Trevino (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:01PM EST (link)His public calendar is at the bottom left of the main page at chuckdevore.com — the man is putting on some serious mileage to see every group, large and small, of conservatives and Republicans in the state.
We are but warriors for the working-day.
I see he could garner a lot of support from
Cheryl (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:18PM EST (link)farm and dairy industries. There is a rather big event he should attend in Tulare Co. around the first of February.
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
Interactive Map of DeVore speeches
justinhart (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:07PM EST (link)… can be found here:
http://bit.ly/qWGq5
It may be red hot...
kaym1246 (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 3:45AM EST (link)but is there anyone still residing there?
The farmers are in a dust bowl situation. They’ve probably sent their families to other states to survive so I’m asking: what’s the “red” population in the inland vs. the SanFran/LA/SanDiego “blues”.
If its not equal to more than you’ll have to settle for a person who says they are pro-life instead of someone who has been pro-life since they could talk.
The CA central valley
Cheryl (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 9:54PM EST (link)is huge. It’s the dairy capital of the world (sorry Wisconsin) and I have been told dairy is the #1 agricultural tax payer in the state (a few years back, they may have changed). As for other ag based business (tree and row crops) those hurt the most are the smaller cities dependent on farm laborers. The unemployment in those areas is very high because farming operations was scaled back due to water issues. This is on the valley’s west side. Water in CA is gold. Water has been cut off to farming due to some fish dying, smelt or something.
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
Who ?
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:53PM EST (link)Are you referring to Tom McClintock during the recall?
I somehow doubt the recall of the Grey Man would have happened if it came down to McClintock or Davis…but maybe that would not have been so very bad. The Girlyman Governator has been terrible for the state.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
Putting words out for me now?
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:49PM EST (link)Neil
I just surfed over to DeVore’s web site and other information, he looks great and might just be the one to beat Boxer.
But let’s be clear here, the Republican party machinery in CA has not been all that successful at picking winners for the last 10 years, and while you and I will continue to disagree on who is the best candidate, I have never suggested that conservatives should be sent to salt mines. Democrats win elections out here pretending to be moderates and by demonizing Republicans during the general. Before you jump me, I’m not implying that DeVore is a hair shirt social conservative, I am pointing out that there is more than the just winning the primary based on a single social conservative issue to beating Babs come the general election.
This blog entry is about abortion and Fiona’s position according to DeVore. If a candidates stance on abortion is important to you, then this is a big deal and will effect how you vote in the primary. Winning the general election may be another matter, no trips to salt mines of Utah needed.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
Exactly, Steve
Erick Brockway (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 1:25AM EST (link)The California GOP hasn’t done well at all when it comes to picking our candidates for us. Bill Simon? C’mon, who actually thought he would be the one? It’s like a suicide mission they sent him on.
Now it looks to me they’re leaning toward picking Fiorna solely because of her deep pockets. Are they going to give us another Snowe or Collins? What we now of Fiorna so far doesn’t look promising.
I’ve at least seen DeVore in action against the Democrats and taking a stand against his own party (Villines).
Note to lefties;
“Don’t be afraid to see what you see.” -Ronald Reagan
Activists taking Action
Join the RedState Strike Force
I've been watching for this
debbieh Tuesday, August 25th at 7:38PM EST (link)and wondering how it will play out. DeVore has conservative credentials but little name recognition or money, while Fiorna has name recognition and money. Can we be sure the Republican Party gives us the best candidate (unlike Crist/Rubio) at a time Boxer is very vulnerable?
Exactly
redtillimdead (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:36PM EST (link)DeVore, even after a primary. would still not be able to win. Name rec would be too low. We tried it in 2004. It didn’t work. Would I rather see Sen. DeVore or Sen. Fiorina? DeVore. But when the choice is Sen. Fiorina or Sen. Boxer…I think you get the picture
Nancy Pelosi can kiss my asstroturf.
Look again
justinhart (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:42PM EST (link)The most recent poll taken on this race shows Fiorina performing only marginally better than DeVore.
I should also note (I’m the new media campaign director for DeVore) that our fundraising has exceeded that of previous Boxer challengers for a year out from the primaries.
Prepare to be surprised.
No offense taken...
mikefisk (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:51PM EST (link)…as I know you’re just doing your job and putting the best face possible, but “previous Boxer challengers” probably isn’t the best of metrics here. After all, the end results speak for themselves; none of them really even made Boxer break much of a sweat come November.
Even if the previous challenger in a race got 49.9% in their go, I’d expect the person six years later to do just as you’re saying. If not, that raises all sorts of red flags…
“Once within the maw of Leviathan, degree of digestion is irrelevant.” – Michael Fisk
9.25, -4.77
3 reasons why things are different
justinhart (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:58PM EST (link)See my comment below:
http://www.redstate.com/trevino/2009/08/25/carly-fiorina-and-life-issues-unanswered-questions/#comment-20
The more I think on this...
Cheryl (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:58PM EST (link)Carly’s name wouldn’t mean a thing to my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, most of them vote. Here in CA. Her name recognition isn’t that great. We know who she is because we’re clued to this politics business, but anyone outside the technology industry and political arena never heard of her.
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
Rhetorically, is it that important to CA voters?
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 7:59PM EST (link)Josh,
Maybe in some parts of the country are the pro-life credentials of candidates for office a major decider of who gets elected, but out here in CA not so much. We can’t even pass a parental notification law in the state for under age children having abortions, so it sort of tells you where majority of the electorate is on this issue.
Comments from Chuck DeVore on this topic are to be expected and he is more than welcome to raise them leading up to a primary with this issue is part of a primary fight between wings of the CA Republican party.
The real question: Is the abortion issue a major issue is it going to be a big one during the general election in CA, not so much in my view. The election will turn on the economy, health care, effective government, maybe illegal immigration and what a turkey Babs Boxer is.
If the goal is Babs Boxer has got to go, then I will be voting for who can do that one thing and right now I don’t know who the person who will gain the most votes come the general election to remove Babs from office but that’s who I am voting for.
The point that I care about is Babs Boxer has got to go…hey hey…ha…ha….Babs Boxer has got to go.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
Fascinating
Neil Stevens (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:08PM EST (link)The high and mighty ‘competency’ guy favors the less conservative candidate even when that candidate is a total novice.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
Almost right
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:17PM EST (link)Neil
I support the person who can beat Babs Boxer, and the issue that DeVore is raising is not one of compentancy, it’s one of core beliefs on the abortion issue and how strong a commitment to the pro-life position is held by Fiona.
A discussion of competency goes to something that would go into thread jack territory, i.e. competency of running a business or government office of the respective candidates for office, I’ll save any comments for when that diary is posted.
But again, beating Babs Boxer is what I care about, even with a candidate who may be described as a RINO on issues that appeal to the base.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
The point you care about ....
Joshua Trevino (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:13PM EST (link)…. is exactly the right point to be caring about. Barbara Boxer has got to go. Any way, any how.
And you’re right: there’s no question that the 2010 elections will turn on issues of fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism. That goes double for California, which is (and will continue to be) hurting worse than the rest of the country given its far worse state-level governance. That will be the major theme of Chuck’s campaign, and we look forward to hammering Boxer on it. (As for Fiorina, well, having supported the bailouts and given conditional support to the Obama stimulus, I’m not sure how she intends to make her pitch.)
All that said — in the primary season, lots of issues matter. We’re talking about abortion today, partly because it was brought up by others …. and partly because it matters to many. So, is it the overriding theme of DeVore for Senate? No — but it’s there, and we’re happy to draw the distinction between him and his competitors when and where we can.
Oh, and just one note on parental notification: you’re right that it doesn’t pass, which is to our shame. But I will note that it failed in ’05 due more to Schwarzenegger’s ineptitude than on its merits — and it had the smallest margin of defeat of that whole woeful slate. Also, there’s the oft-mentioned Prop 8 as a more recent example of social conservatism winning statewide. California is indeed rocky ground for social conservatism — but it’s not necessarily fatal ground!
We are but warriors for the working-day.
Prop 8
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:23PM EST (link)Josh
I don’t buy that Prop 8 was a turn of CA turning right, as much as many want to find gold in them there hills.
I voted for 8, as much for being annoyed at Judges overturning the will of the people expressed in Prop 22 as anything else. I tend think some of the victory margin for prop 8 was based on people getting fed up with judges making it up as they go. There was also a big turnout in the African American community and the Hispanic community for Obama out here, and nether of those two communities were all that thrilled by San Fran values gay folks lecturing them on what Civil rights meant.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
It is what it is.
Joshua Trevino (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:43PM EST (link)Prop 8 winning was Prop 8 winning. Its place in trends and history is, I think, yet to become clear.
But it does stand as an example of social conservatism willing statewide in California.
We are but warriors for the working-day.
Steve "electability" 14 months ahead of time
AKSteveB (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:00PM EST (link)just doesn’t mean anything. McCain was “electable”, Hillary was “very electable.” I haven’t been real impressed with what I’ve seen of Fiorina so far. She was a disaster at HP. There is lots of time to change impressions between now and then.
I’ve seen what Republican fratricide can do up here in terms of messing up the state. You folks in Cali are heading towards Third World status in a hurry. Yeah you have fiscal conservatives, and social conservatives. The other side has …ummmm …crazies! For the love of God, don’t do anything that would hurt the chances of Fiorina, DeVore, McClintock, or yet to be named Repubs beat Boxer!
Hell is other people – Sartre
And None of That Matters in CA
IJB Tuesday, August 25th at 11:15PM EST (link)SteveLA tends to live in a BubbleWorld where if CA Republicans would just get rid of social conservatives, they’d start winning in CA.
What this analysis ignores is that the majority of CA residents, certainly along the coasts, aren’t just social liberals, they’re ECONOMIC LIBERALS too. (See, also: MA, NY, CT, etc.)
The only way Republicans can win in CA is when the Dem “brand” is so damaged, either by scandal, or just pure unadulterated incompetence in governance, than even some of their usual supporters reject them (see: Gray Davis’ recall).
IOW, the game is not at all in the control of CA Republicans, and whether they run “moderates” or “conservatives” is quite immaterial to whether they win or not. (Once again, FTR, *both* kinds of Republicans have lost, zillions of times, statewide in CA, since 1990.)
As it is, 2010 may be one of those years when the Dem “brand” is so “damaged” that Boxer may be rejected (though, I’m dubious, as Obama’s approval ratings are still pretty high in CA).
But, I personally think, whether we run DeVore or Fiorina will be almost totally immaterial as to whether that happens or not.
About the only difference is that Fiorina may be able to self-finance enough to get her face out there a little more.
Beyond that… [shrug]
Fiorina, HP, & Planned Parenthood
jcincy Tuesday, August 25th at 8:19PM EST (link)I purchase tech for my org. I try to track the donations of corporations to see where their heart is. HP under Fiorina (and since) has donated heavily to Planned Parenthood.
Here’s one recent example:
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/dec/08121003.html
I refuse to buy HP printers, servers, laptops, or desktops.
Follow the money… Carly certainly had no issue giving big to the Margaret Sanger’s abortion mills.
Fiscally, Ms. Fiorina may be conservative, I really don’t know. But I do know that I am for LIFE and LIBERTY.
“Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.” — John Jay
Foundations not the Corporation
TheYeomanFarmer (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:16PM EST (link)jcincy -
Note that those contributions to Planned Parenthood and other anti-life were made by the Heweltt FOUNDATION and the Packard FOUNDATION, not by HP itself. Foundations established by corporate founder(s) are not under the control of current corporate management. Sometimes, though not in this case, corporate foundations even diverge in their priorities from the preferences of the founders who established them (the Ford Foundation is a prime example).
Can anyone produce evidence from the public record of Fiorina having made a personal contribution to an anti-life or socially liberal (i.e. No on Eight) candidate, cause, or organization?
Can you do the opposite?
Neil Stevens (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:43PM EST (link)Has she taken any actoin on abortion at all, being a wealthy public figure with the means to make a difference?
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
She did eliminate donations to any group other than united way
JoeG Wednesday, August 26th at 1:50AM EST (link)Pre-Carly, HP employees could donate to any non-profit organization and HP would match your contribution dollar for dollar up to $1K.
Under her tenure, the program was changed to HP would donate $1 to United Way for each dollar you donated to your charity of choice.
United Way funds abortions.
2010 - an anti-incumbent year
justinhart (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 8:57PM EST (link)Three reasons why Chuck DeVore can (and will) beat Boxer:
1) 2010 is shaping up to be a serious anti-incumbent year. Boxer has never faced election in that environment
2) Boxer has never faced an articulate serious conservative. Chuck is a well-spoken proven conservative.
3) The Boxer campaign is seriously top-heavy (note in her FEC reports how much money her son gets from the campaign). Chuck is quick nimble and innovative (see our front page WSJ article here:
http://webreprints.djreprints.com/2118801275512.html)
Lastly, why would we waste the tea party/healthcare “mob” momentum on an unknown entity?
Bruce McPherson
get2djnow (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:21PM EST (link)The most articulate and best fundraising Conservative was Bruce. He couldn’t get past the California State Senate. I think he would have been an excellent governor and a fantastic US Senator, but true blue died in the wool Conservatives won’t get elected in California. If you insist, all you are doing is relegating the GOP to an even smaller proportion of the elected officials.
Chuck is a great guy and I’m on board with his agenda, but he won’t win in California.
A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson (26 Mar 1984 – 28 Sep 2005) Killed by an IED during OEF, probably of Iranian origin, but aided by having predictably scheduled logistics convoys.
“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” (Genesis 17:7)
“Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land which you see I will give to you and to your descendants forever.” (Genesis 13:14)
“For those who are with us here today before Hashem our God and (also) those who are not here with us today.” (Deuteronomy 29:14)
Who knows
SteveLA (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:35PM EST (link)get2djnow
If DeVore comes out punching and Babs don’t run away, who knows what the outcome will be.
I seem to recall in the last Senatorial race the R was not exactly well funded and DiFi did not have to spend much time defending herself from a barrage of TV advertisements, not to mention that DiFi is not as crazy as Babs.
Babs on the other hand is right up there with Maxine on my list of crazy arrogant Democrats and I tend to think that if DeVore has the money to point out what a nasty piece of work that Babs is, he might just stand a chance.
______________________________________
Competency over ideological purity and litmus tests
Do you live here?
Neil Stevens (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 12:20AM EST (link)I know a lot of out of staters tell us things like that, but they don’t see the dynamics in play in this state.
RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
Unfortunately, I Think The 'Anti-Incumbent' Feeling Here In CA Is More Anti-Legislature...
IJB Wednesday, August 26th at 12:38AM EST (link)…Right now. (Not that I would take getting more Republicans into the CA Legislature, mind you!)
We’ll see if it eventually goes anti-CA (Dem) House Rep or anti-Boxer. I think the seeds are there, but it’s an open question as to whether they’ll bloom.
I agree the seeds are there
Cheryl (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 1:28AM EST (link)the “temperature” in this state reminds me of the 90s when we overwhelmingly passed that prop. against affirmative action. Same problem with people moving the heck out of CA and then there were the race riots in L.A.
“A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America, than the whole force of the common enemy.” –Samuel Adams
“The administrative state has inserted its big paws into our houses, from the toilet bowl to the light socket. Now if it would just stretch those paws from the one to the other at the same time, we might begin to recapture the spirit of ’76.” –Scott Johnson, Powerlineblog.com
Let's Try That Again...
IJB Wednesday, August 26th at 2:08AM EST (link)It should say:
“Not that I *wouldn’t* take getting more Republicans into the CA Legislature, mind you!”
Grrrr….
He can be all those things
proudgop (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:15PM EST (link)but with not even 100,000 COH he won’t even be able to print signs up in state like California
Boxer needs someone who can go toe to toe with her but someone she can’t pigeon hole either. She has never faced a female I think it would be challenge to her.
The elbow chart
justinhart (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:25PM EST (link)There’s a chart that I cannot show you, from internal numbers that I cannot share, based on a strategy that I cannot reveal.
Let’s just say that fundraising starts slow, keeps us in the red for a while and then skyrockets.
Seasoned politicos can look over our FEC reports, look at where our money is being spent and understand immediately what we are doing.
While I appreciate your comments,
Tbone (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 9:28PM EST (link)I think that it is important to remember that abortion is a moral, ethical and philosophical decision, but really can’t be a political one. This is because there is no realistic political solution available and won’t be until such time as the majority of the electorate makes the moral, ethical and philosophical decision that abortion is fundamentally wrong. Fortunately, I do believe that the electorate is moving in that direction.
However, the great and rare opportunity that presents itself to conservative Republicans in this time of unprecedented economic misdirection led by the leftists Democrats is for the Republican Party to reinvent itself as the party of fiscal responsibility. This commitment to economic responsibility and a return to the concepts of free enterprise and free markets as the basis for prosperity should be the driving focus of every Republican candidate.
As such, there is little benefit for Republican primary candidates to chew up each other on an issue which is unlikely that they will actually have an opportunity to address as officeholders within the foreseeable future. Further, as one who believes that the Republican Party needs to be guided by conservative principles I have always found myself voting for the candidate who I perceive to have the best opportunity to promote those principles. That means the candidate has to be viable in the general election.
In this instance, that candidate very well may be your candidate. However, a male candidate will never be granted the same level of credibility for his position on abortion as a female candidate. At such, it would be far better for your candidate to let his opponent stake her own ground on the question of abortion and differentiate his views and establish superior conservative credentials in the fiscal arena. If he is unable to recognize the opportunity to focus on running as a fiscal conservative at the primary level, he will have little chance of reinventing himself as a fiscal conservative in the general election.
Envisioning when all that is Left is the Right.
Pro choice is fine - without taxpayer's money
NewTexanDave Tuesday, August 25th at 10:55PM EST (link)I’m neither a big fan of abortion nor an opponent. As long as taxpayers’ money are not involved I really could care less. I care more about fiscal responsibilities, pro-business attitude, and support for the free market. As a former HPer I didn’t quite agree with the way she reshaped HP. However I would not write her off for just 1 or 2 issues. Seeing how the dems mismanage the economy, conservatives need to offer better solutions to win back the seats. Focusing on social issues would not have an impact that’s significant enough. I lived in Cali before and I doubt the majority of the voters there would care much about abortion.
Well I care about abortion however out in CA....
JadedByPolitics (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 11:12PM EST (link)it is NOT a winning nor a necessary issue for someone running with an R after their name. It is IMPORTANT and very much so that whomever is running is running on the SMALL GOVERNMENT platform. They ought to be talking about the government getting OUT of people’s lives, including, abortion, gay marriage, taxes, environmentally etc. This should be the mantra for anyone who wants to win from this day forward. I think all sides except of course for the leftists/marxists/communists can agree the government damages everything it touches and we want them out of our lives!
Unified Patriots – How-To:
Activists Taking Action
I could care less if Fiorina is pro-choice---Boxer has to go
smagar (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 10:24PM EST (link)She’ll be running for the Senate from California, not Arkansas. We need a candidate that can win there. I strongly doubt Chuck DeVore will be a stronger candidate than Carly Fiorina. And, I do not think that any amount of wise musings by DeVore supporters will sway enough California voters to make DeVore viable.
The California MSM will simply ignore DeVore if he wins the nomination, as will Boxer. Fiorina will be a lot harder to ignore.
We could afford ourselves the luxury of pondering the question “Is Carly Fiorina pro-life enough for us”…oh, about ten Senate seats ago.
“Who will stand/On either hand/And guard this bridge with me?” (Macaulay)
I don't care if she's pro-abortion before, as long as she's NOT now.
Rod_Patrick (Diary) Tuesday, August 25th at 10:28PM EST (link)I even don’t care if she had one before.
Last time I looked, I’ve never seen Fiorina promoting abortion in the past.
That’s good enough for me.
As long as she’s for free market, for limited government, for constitution and for personal freedom, … she’s OK.
Rod is on-point. Demanding perfection is stupid. Demanding perfection in one's past is even more so. [nt]
Martin Knight (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 7:28AM EST (link)DeVore campaign folks should set up a table
JoeG Wednesday, August 26th at 1:45AM EST (link)outside the various HP campi.
You’ll get lots of donations if you title it
HELP DEFEAT CARLY
Declared ThreadJack
OccamsRazor (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 2:21AM EST (link)I don’t see an open thread, so am going to announce here.
That we need to be POUNCING on the fact that the budget has ballooned.
One reason that we were delaying getting Healthcare jammed down our throats, out of many, was that the bloated deficit numbers instituted by THIS administration would be out. Well, here they are. USE them!
Blast them with the deficit numbers! It’s a HUGE fact that government is out of control! At a GUT level, the American people cannot deny this fact.
Threadjack ends here (nt)
Neil Stevens (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 9:36AM EST (link)RS contributing editor, technical administrator, and “a hardy variety of crabgrass.”
Read the RedState Posting Rules
Unlikely Voter: Poll Analysis, Election Projection.
“I rejoice that America has resisted.” – William Pitt, the Elder
I don't think the pro-life issue matters much here.
drohan00 (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 9:49AM EST (link)Given the choice, would we rather have Pete Wilson (Who is pro-choice) or Babs Boxer in the Senate? Would six years of a low-tax fiscally responsible candidate make more sense? As long as she opposes partial birth abortion, I could care less.
I am a devout Catholic, I support only pro-life candidates in Nebraska. But I also look at the lesser of two evils, and Carly Fiorina would be a marked improvement over Boxer. An actual business person in the senate, what an idea!
Maybe it's because
Old_Dominion (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 12:48PM EST (link)I don’t share the GOP’s platform position on abortion, but I can’t think of an issue I hate more. There’s a reason the Kos Krowd doesn’t demand pro-choice, anti-gun candidates in Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana–they know that it’s a losing issue, and they’d rather take what they can get. Similarly, a social conservative isn’t going to beat Barbara Boxer. A social moderate might.
Electability
Castor (Diary) Wednesday, August 26th at 12:50PM EST (link)It´s a long time to next June´s primary.
Bill Buckley used to say that you go with the conservative who would be most able to win the election. We don´t really know enough about the ideology of Carly Fiorina.We do know about Chuck Devore.Nevertheless there´s plenty of time to see if Fiorina is another Olympia Snow or conservative enough.
The main object of this election is to retire Boxer once and for all.
Let´s keep the eyes on the prize and not get into an elephant fight.