Where Will the Money Go?

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.

There Will Be Blood

 

“Thou shalt not speak ill of any Republican. Henceforth, if any Republican has a grievance against another, that grievance is not to be bared publicly.” Gaylord Parkinson, Chairman of the California State Republican Party-- 1965 

Six men are running for the Republican presidential nomination. They are now in New Hampshire and looking ahead to South Carolina. 

Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon were fond of using variations of the Parkinson quote I  used today. 

Political campaigns used to be civil and even cordial, because politics used to be considered a gentleman's game.

Now, it is a no-holds-barred, free for all between small men with huge egos who are desperate to claw their way up from the bottom.  

The talk on the campaign trail is expected to get nasty, and the ads we are likely to see in the coming weeks may be  filled with charges and counter charges as hopefuls struggle for the spirit of the Grand Old Party. 

Republicans like to call themselves the party of Abe Lincoln. It appears that they are not even the party of Ronald Reagan anymore.