National Conservative Groups Warm Up to Schwarzenegger

[Judi Lynn]

August 24, 2003


National Conservative Groups Warm Up to Schwarzenegger
Republican Leadership Council has endorsed him, and anti-tax groups are courting, hoping he’ll take a definitive stance on their issue.

By Ronald Brownstein, Times Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- After initial skepticism, some national conservative and Republican groups are cautiously warming to Arnold Schwarzenegger's bid for the California governorship.

One national GOP group endorsed Schwarzenegger last week and said it would air television ads in California to help his candidacy. Radio host Rush Limbaugh, a leading voice among conservatives, lavishly praised Schwarzenegger on his Web site late last week, after having questioned the actor's conservative credentials. And national anti-tax groups, such as the influential Americans for Tax Reform, are pledging to intervene on Schwarzenegger's behalf if he solidifies his opposition to new taxes.

Although national conservative groups at first remained aloof from the bid to oust California Gov. Gray Davis, their leaders increasingly view the recall as an opportunity to generate momentum heading into next year's congressional and presidential voting.

"It will set a tone for next year," said Grover G. Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform and a leading conservative strategist. (snip/...)

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/recall/la-na-right24aug24,1,785502.story?coll=la-home-headlines

[cthrumatrix]

1. Rove sent out the geeting cards...support or else

There can be no other reason

[Democat]

2. Arnold is going to do what he is told by Bush, everyone has been informed

The only reason these guys are supporting Arnold is because they have been assured that he is just lying about being moderate.

Let him say whatever needs to be said, once he's in office, we'll run the state into the ground and go as far right as we can. That's the message they've been given.

It worked for Bush. Say on thing, do another.

Arnold is not going to be moderate, don't be fooled.

[alcuno]

3. It sends a message to the party faithful and independents

that the leadership isn't really strong in their convictions; they just say that they are. I hope all conservatives back Schwarzenegger.

[prolesunited]

4. They've definitely gotten their marching orders

from Rove and with Simon out of the race, what are there options? You can't beat fascists when it comes to party discipline.

[Kbowe]

5. It more about partisanship than principle. They have no principles.

That about sums up the Conservatives.

[leesa]

6. Ah...the goose-stepping brainless ones have received their marching

orders. Are there ANY Republicans who are capable of independent thought?