Mitt Romney is filthy rich.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. But it appears there are huge differences between fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. One type is preoccupied with tax policy, deregulation and spending as little on the public as possible. The other often wants government to define, restrict or codify its beliefs.
While so-called liberal Democrats provide the muscle and the people to get their candidates elected, the liberal leadership understands that there is no money without the progressive wing of the party. Wealthy Republicans have always been able to count on the party to ensure that a relatively moderate speaking candidate survives to carry the party's standard.
This time, you have Romney seeking the nomination against several remaining candidates that many believe appeal to social conservatives.
Romney is being branded with the "L" word. The man believes corporations are people and admits to getting a rush from firing folks.
Some wealthy Republicans believe he might be good for business. They are reportedly not too clear about the prospects for candidates who would spend too much time on issues like civil unions, abortion, and creationism.
When you think about the last ten Republican presidential nominees, win or lose, none of them did much to change national policy on those issues. From Eisenhower through McCain, not much was said or done beyond the lip service to the language in the party platform.
So, how much money will fiscal conservatives be willing to spend on those sideshow issues? My guess is not very much with any enthusiasm if they think it is bad for business.
South Carolina may be the battleground for now, but don't look for it to be the final meaningful battle. Those with the deepest pockets are now fighting for the heart and soul of the Grand Old Party. If Romney cannot pull off a slam dunk, you can bet Republicans with money will try to bring a voice of reason to the nomination fight.
Wait for it, WAIT FOR IT... “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." --Barry Goldwater, July 16, 1964
The preceding quote helped make The Great Society possible.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. But it appears there are huge differences between fiscal conservatives and social conservatives. One type is preoccupied with tax policy, deregulation and spending as little on the public as possible. The other often wants government to define, restrict or codify its beliefs.
While so-called liberal Democrats provide the muscle and the people to get their candidates elected, the liberal leadership understands that there is no money without the progressive wing of the party. Wealthy Republicans have always been able to count on the party to ensure that a relatively moderate speaking candidate survives to carry the party's standard. This time, you have Romney seeking the nomination against several remaining candidates that many believe appeal to social conservatives.
Romney is being branded with the "L" word. The man believes corporations are people and admits to getting a rush from firing folks.
Some wealthy Republicans believe he might be good for business. They are reportedly not too clear about the prospects for candidates who would spend too much time on issues like civil unions, abortion, and creationism.
When you think about the last ten Republican presidential nominees, win or lose, none of them did much to change national policy on those issues. From Eisenhower through McCain, not much was said or done beyond the lip service to the language in the party platform.
So, how much money will fiscal conservatives be willing to spend on those sideshow issues? My guess is not very much with any enthusiasm if they think it is bad for business.
South Carolina may be the battleground for now, but don't look for it to be the final meaningful battle. Those with the deepest pockets are now fighting for the heart and soul of the Grand Old Party. If Romney cannot pull off a slam dunk, you can bet Republicans with money will try to bring a voice of reason to the nomination fight.
Wait for it, WAIT FOR IT... “I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue." --Barry Goldwater, July 16, 1964
The preceding quote helped make The Great Society possible.
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