Michael Livingston's Blog
Michael Livingston's Blog
Purple in Pennsylvania
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National results: A kinder, gentler GOP?
Democrats have been hoping, and Republicans fearing, that a hard-right, Tea Party-based GOP would squander its many advantages heading into this fall’s elections in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. This week’s primary results suggest that fear—if it remains real—may be somewhat exaggerated.
Victories by Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina in California, much like Tom Corbett’s relatively smooth ride to the GOP nomination in Pennsylvania, suggest a moderate, down-to-business attitude that may sell well in a country tired of posturing and anxious for substantive results. Even Scott Brown, elected with Tea Party support in Massachusetts, has proved himself surprisingly moderate.
There are counter-trends as well (Rand Paul stand out in particular), but the overall pattern is not especially threatening.
The rise of Republican women, including Whitman, Fiorina, and Nikki Haley in South Carolina, is another interesting trend. Anyone who attends local Republican events knows that much of the emotional and organizational energy comes from women, especially those who are active in nonprofit organizations (churches, schools, etc) and the business community. Pennsylvania has historically been slow to recognize female candidates, the state GOP even more so.
Maybe it’s time to catch up.
June 11, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Tags: Republican Party
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Bio: Michael Livingston is a law professor at the Rutgers University in Camdem and was a 2008 Republican candidate for Congress in Pennsylvania's 2nd District. He also blogs at http://mikelivingston.blogspot.com.
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Jon Geeting
Jun 11th, 2010
I defy you to name one position Whitman, Fiorina, or hard-right nutcase Nikki Haley holds that is more moderate than the national GOP.
Bruce Bailey
Jun 11th, 2010
I demand equal time for harder-right nutcase Sharron Angle, Repub wingnut for Senate in Nevada.
She thinks Las Vegas should be a dry town…that’s going to go over real big in Sin City.
sick of it all
Jun 12th, 2010
Now, this is funny…meg wittman? are you serious? carly fiorina? for real?
Meg
Jun 12th, 2010
If being far-right includes cutting government spending, and bring budgets under control…then count this former Democrat as in alignment with the Tea Partiers and these GOP women!
It’s all about the budget, stupid!
John
Jun 12th, 2010
I keep hearing all this talk about “moderate” Tom Corbett. Exactly how is he a moderate? He is pro-life, pro-gun, he is against the health care bill…what else? He’s obviously more conservative than Tom Ridge. I support Corbett, and I’m supporting a conservative. Every one of his issues is conservative. If someone wants to call him a moderate, fine, but back it up with proof. What are these moderate issues that he holds? I see none.
flynnbw
Jun 12th, 2010
Carly Fiorina is neither kind nor gentle.
Dem Guy
Jun 12th, 2010
Carly Fiorina and Meg Whitman are different types of politicians, because they didn’t care about politics until they tried to buy their office!
Matt M.
Jun 13th, 2010
The female of the species is more deadly than the male.
There’s nothing moderate about them – they supported McCain/Palin, and although they might not benefit publicly from Tea Party support, they’re certainly nowhere near the center. Same goes for Tom Corbett.
The only truly “moderate” candidate in 2010 was Arlen Specter, who will unfortunately be watching this election season from the sideline.
Ignore the Tea Party at your own Peril
Jun 13th, 2010
The Tea Party Movement is Real People are sick and Tired of Business as useuall We will not take Bull Shit from Politicians anymore
Shenandoah
Jun 14th, 2010
The fatcats in Washington better look out becase WE THE PEOPLE are coming for our payback.
Bailouts- NO WAY
Socialist Healthcare – NOT A CHANCE
Open Borders – HELL NO
The elected officials must of forgotten that they work for WE THE PEOPLE.
WE THE PEOPLE just need government to get out of the way, and we’ll be just fine. Got that?!
Bruce Bailey
Jun 15th, 2010
ITTPAYOP & Shenandoah: If power came from the Caps key, you guys would rule the world.
bill healy
Jun 19th, 2010
Government did get out of the way of the banks and oil companies when the repubs ruled washington, thanks but no thanks to that kind of getting govenrment out of the way.