Conservative Senator Denied Delegate Slot For Not Being Right-Wing Enough
Now this is just sad. Sen. Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican who has long led the conservative forces of his state, has been denied his customary position as a voting delegate to the Republican National Convention -- and it's being done by an even more conservative bunch.
The Iowa Christian Alliance, a successor to the state's Christian Coalition, has effectively taken over the state party's executive committee, and they obviously weren't happy with Grassley. It does seem curious, though, when one considers that he came up in the ranks of conservative activists and was elected to the Senate in 1980 on Ronald Reagan's coattails, and is a reliably conservative vote on issues like abortion and gay rights. What could have gotten them angry?
The Washington Times, of all places, has a hypothesis: Grassley teamed up with Democrat Max Baucus to investigate the finances of televangelists.
Comments (23)
Well, somehow I hope Sen Grassley will perceive this as a complement. How sad and vindictive these "Christians" are.
July 22, 2008 12:10 AM | Reply | Permalink
Voting for corporate interests and the continuation of war are obviously in line with Christian values as preached in the Bible.
July 22, 2008 12:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't the Washington Times, as a conservative mouthpiece, actually the most likely place to have this GOP insider news?
What a sad statement for the GOP and the Christian Right. Seeking retribution against their own for looking into malfeasance. So much for honesty and forthrightness. Don't they remember that this is what got them into the minority in the first place? It was only two short years ago.
July 22, 2008 9:48 AM | Reply | Permalink
In 2002, Grassley was interviewed on 60 Minutes about FBI incompetence in translating foreign language documents before and after 9/11. I was impressed because a GOPer didn't pull his punches in assigning blame in the war on terror. It doesn't surprise me that Grassley didn't endear himself to wingnuts (bless his heart).
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/25/60minutes/main526954.shtml
July 22, 2008 1:11 AM | Reply | Permalink
Way to go, Iowa Christian Alliance! Keep up those purges. Only by purging the GOP of all disloyal elements can you build a unified, doctrinally cohesive party.
You may lose this year, and may lose again in 2012. But if so, remember -- it's because the guy you ran wasn't conservative enough. Once you achieve doctrinal purity, your success will be guaranteed.
July 22, 2008 1:18 AM | Reply | Permalink
Worked for the Trotskyites, right? Or was that the Maoists?
July 22, 2008 9:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
Grassley is the only republican I have supported in the last 20 years (ever since Fred Grandy moved on). He might have more integrity than any politician of either party as he can consistently be relied on to do what he feels is right regardless of the political consequences. Too bad he is so conservative though.
July 22, 2008 4:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
To the Iowa Christian Alliance....
WE FORGIVE YOU
July 22, 2008 6:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
Senator McCain, my friend, do you think your fellow distinguished Senator, the honorable Mr. Grassley, should be a voting member of the Iowa delegation or do you agree with the Iowa Republican Party that he has shown insufficient fealty to the Christian Right? Yes or no, my friend, yes or no?
Iowa is turning such a sweet shade of blue
July 22, 2008 7:19 AM | Reply | Permalink
It doesn't surprise me that Grassley didn't endear himself to wingnuts
That's not for lack of wingnut tendencies of his own (e.g., accusing Iran-Contra independent prosecutor and fellow lifelong Republican Lawrence Walsh of bias against the GOP).
If GOP wingnuts these days aren't supporting Grassley it's only because they are now utterly shameless in their Bolshevism.
July 22, 2008 7:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
"The Washington Times, of all places, has a hypothesis: Grassley teamed up with Democrat Max Baucus to investigate the finances of televangelists."
It wouldn't do to have Congress looking into those mansions, private jets, limos and Armani suits the Televangelists are so fond of, now would it?
July 22, 2008 8:02 AM | Reply | Permalink
Every side has their purity trolls.
July 22, 2008 8:09 AM | Reply | Permalink
Are you now, or have you ever been a member of the Rapturian Party?
July 22, 2008 8:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
It is fun to see the other side eat their own, for a change.
July 22, 2008 8:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
This time the Democratic candidate has message discipline abd the GOP is eating their own! The signs of great things to come!
July 22, 2008 9:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I would be curious to know the support of this group for Rep. Steve King, who is a complete ass.
July 22, 2008 9:39 AM | Reply | Permalink
If that is the case (which I suspect) then it reinforces my view that the Republicans have essentially lost historically-blue central and eastern Iowa. They're reaction is to move towards the only solid red part of the state, which happens to be King's district.
If Obama taught the Democrats anything about the Midwest, it should be that the way to win Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin is not to try and appear centrist. Harkin, Feingold, and Wellstone are not exactly the most moderate Dems, as an example. Being a liberal does not forefit these states.
July 22, 2008 9:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
I should add that every local report I've read seems to indicate that, in general, Republicans in the state are very upset about this. Don't expect it to last.
July 22, 2008 9:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
Grassley is very interested in how tax-exempt orgs handle their money. he's got this crazy notion that in exchange for a sweet tax status, these organizations should adhere to, you know, rules and stuff.
"Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's".... now where is that line from?
July 22, 2008 10:01 AM | Reply | Permalink
Uncle Chuck is pretty tough. If I were a televangelist I'd hire an accountant or a money launderer. Whatever.
July 22, 2008 10:29 AM | Reply | Permalink
Christ is turning over in his grave.
July 22, 2008 11:32 AM | Reply | Permalink
they should all burn in the hell of our choosing. These people who use Jesus to push fascism are about less compassionate then worms.
July 22, 2008 1:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
The rethuglican purity trolls are swarming. How christian.
July 22, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink