First, this assertion has been put forth in previous state wide races and was disproved. In 1998, the ethically challenged Carol Moseley-Braun was running for reelection to the Senate. In the primary race, the establishment argued that Peter Fitzgerald was too conservative to win in the fall. Only a moderate, Lolita Didrickson, could win. Yet Fitzgerald won the election.
Second, conservatives have been told to support moderates lest Democrats be elected. They have done this only to see the Republican adopt the Democrat’s position. For example, in 1994, a conservative challenger to Edgar in the primary was told to pull out lest he help Dawn Clark Netsch. Edgar attacked Netsch for her proposed tax increase. Two years later, Edgar proposed an almost identical tax increase. What did conservatives get for their support of Edgar?
Third, Topinka is too radical on social issues for conservatives. You may respond that where else will they go. They will either not vote for governor or will vote for a third party. I have always voted for the Republican candidate in statewide races. However, I will not vote for Topinka and estimate that 30%-40% of conservatives will act in the same way. Thus, Topinka is the worst possible Republican candidate. She is the only one who will lose the base. If you lose the base, you can’t win.
Take as an example FDR’s court packing bill. Representative Hatton Sumners of Dallas, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, responded by saying, "Boys, here's where I cash in." Bill Clinton’s election led to the Democrat’s loss of congress in 1994 when he governed to the left of the stands he took in his 1992 campaign. In the same way, nominating Topinka may split the party. Moderates call on conservatives to support moderates while they feel no compunction to support conservatives. Thus, they snubbed Peter Fitzgerald and made his decision to not run for reelection understandable. I think that the Illinois Republican leaders underestimate the depth of conservative anger towards the leadership and towards this unacceptable gubernatorial candidate who is being foisted on us.
While Blago is in a weak position, it is not even close to where Carol Mostly-Fraud was in 1998.
Blago for all his faults, hasn't been scurrying off to Africa to dine with dictators.
I don't like Topinka, but I'll vote for her if she is the nominee, biting my tongue.
Who are you supporting for governor?
Judy from IL
I am right there with you, Richard. I'm embarrassed of her--the woman turns my stomach on all counts.
Great letter.
I'm torn between Obie and Brady for the primary's. I don't like the fact that i might have to hold my nose on Nov 02 and vote for Topinka.
The circus came to town when the red-headed clown brought in Ambassador Keyes, shunned Sen Fitzgerald, and winked at- and cut deals with- Osama-bama by way of the combine. Yes, I'll vote for any Rep in the general, but I will require Pepcid, Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismal, and a bicarb to get through the primaries.