Posted on 04/10/2007 1:10:22 PM PDT by perfect_rovian_storm
The Brody File is in constant research mode. For all you Fred Thompson fans out there, grab a seat. Pause your TIVO episodes of Law and Order. Put on hold those portraits you've ordered of Fred Thompson and Ronald Reagan side by side in your living room. I've discovered that when socially liberal bad boy Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee was running for re-election in 2006, Fred Thompson campaigned for him and came to his defense. Here's the money quote:
"There are a lot of reasons I support Linc. We agree on most issues, disagree on some. Obviously, keeping control of the Senate is very important. I don't like the sound of 'Chairman Kennedy.' "
He agrees with Chafee on most issues? The last time I checked Chafee was pretty much off the reservation on most Republican talking points: immigration, taxes, Iraq war, traditional marriage, abortion. Shall I go on? I mean I get it. Thompson believes keeping Republicans in control of the Senate is the key. You know, it's all about the party. There's something to be said for that but I keep getting back to that line, "agree on most issues". That may be hard to stomach for Thompson fans who believe he's the true conservative choice if he runs. Here's a link to how Chafee has voted on the "issues."
Below you can read the article from The Providence Journal back in April of 2006. Comments?
"He may be known better for his performance as deep-voiced district attorney Arthur Branch on NBC's legal drama Law & Order, but Fred Thompson was in Rhode Island last night in his role as a former U.S. senator from Tennessee and Republican stalwart to campaign and raise money for Sen. Lincoln Chafee's reelection. Thompson's message was aimed at Republicans and unaffiliated voters thinking of supporting Cranston Mayor Stephen Laffey, Chafee's primary challenger. Even those who disagree with Chafee should support him to ensure that the GOP Senate does not revert to the Democrats, Thompson said. "I think purging is the last thing we ought to have on our minds these days," Thompson said. "I think nationwide we are evenly divided as a people on a number of issues; we're evenly divided in the Senate and in the House. We, as Republicans, need to stick together." "There are a lot of reasons I support Linc. We agree on most issues, disagree on some. Obviously, keeping control of the Senate is very important. I don't like the sound of 'Chairman Kennedy.' Thompson was obviously referring to Massachusetts Democrat Edward M. Kennedy, who has sufficient seniority to become chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which considers judicial nominations, if Democrats win control of the Senate in the November general election. "In the kind of times we live in, we need people of integrity who do what they think is right," Thompson said. "I served with Linc's father [the late Sen. John Chafee], who, as far as I was concerned, was the most respected man in the Senate, and Linc is in the same tradition."
Senators always stick up for their fellow club members - “collegiality” and all that. Comes with the territory. ;)
Well, Laura and Gorge had fine words for Chafee, as I expect did Rudy McRomney.
Actually, instead of turning off the “true conservatives” to Fred, this should turn ON all those “sell-your-soul-to-keep-the-Republican-majority” crowd.
Gorge? - hmm, halfway between Jorge and George.
I know that's an alien concept to the Rudy boosters, seeing how their guy supported Cuomo over Pataki in 1994.
When it comes to the issues both Hunter and Thompson are much more deserving of my support and vote. Both have more conservative voting records than the other candidates.
Yeah, but to top that Rudy supports Gun control, gays, abortion and funding of abortion. No contest, I will NOT vote for Rudy.
And Rudy Giuliani supported Mario Cuomo over a Republican!
so what.
As I said here alot during the 2006 election - the reason to support Chaffee, was that electing him would have kept senators like Inhofe and McConnell IN THE MAJORITY.
Chaffee was about as good as Republicans could have gotten in RI. It’s too bad Rhode Island isn’t just another county in MA. Why should such a small area rate having representation in the Senate?
Didn’t Rudy also say that Bill Clintons policies were almost the same as his?
Obviously, keeping control of the Senate is very important. I don't like the sound of 'Chairman Kennedy.'
So, was Chafee's opponent more conservative than him?
I’m so dissapointed. Quick someone find me a 72 year old gun grabbing Mormon to support instead....
Yeah, this is a pretty new one. I don’t even think it’s really been fully circulated around the areafiftyone/fairopinion Rudy rooter posse.
Seems to me that Fred makes it pretty clear that he’s doing it while holding his nose.
Some of them are slowly but surely turning into classic liberals. They can't attack the record so they attack the trivial crap.
They were floating "Fred used to be a lobbyist!" about earlier in the day and that didn't go anywhere.
I wish this were baseball - three strikes and you're out. They're up to about 70 strikes or so at latest count.
Drat! I just knew Fred Thompson was trying to fake us out with his conservative voting record! I see he is clearly a liberal now!
Give me a break. Let me know if something important comes up like video of Fred Thompson handing out anarchist literature at a “peace” rally while carrying Cindy Sheehan on his back.
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