Posted on 08/28/2009 6:28:25 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
Two of the three major California GOP gubernatorial candidates -- Tom Campbell and Meg Whitman -- oppose the proposal by leaders of the state Republican Party to bar independent voters from casting a ballot in the 2010 GOP primary, their campaigns have told the Chronicle today.
With the controversial issue heating up -- and about to go before GOP delegates at next month's statewide party convention -- the Chronicle asked the current crop of GOP gubernatorial candidates to weigh in.
Two of the candidates have indicated they oppose the idea -- and one won't take a stand.
Excerpts from their responses:
*State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner:
"There are strong arguments from proponents on both sides of this debate and I look forward to continuing to hear from supporters on each side. Ultimately, it's a decision that the party as a whole will decide and the bottom line is that we need to strengthen and grow the Republican party....I want the Republican Party to be the majority party in California and that's why I've sponsored our bounty programs to register more Republicans across the state.''
(We asked Poizner spokesman Jarrod Agen to translate -- so what's his position? He doesn't have one. Official answer: "He is going to hear out both sides over the coming weeks.'')
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
*Former EBay CEO Meg Whitman: “Meg believes it is beneficial for the party to continue to encourage decline to state voters to support Republican candidates and cast a ballot in the Republican primary election. She is committed to growing the Republican Party and will attract Californians with her plans to create jobs, cut spending, and fix education.” - Whitman campaign spokeswoman Sarah Pompei
*Former San Jose Rep. Tom Campbell: “I believe that we should be reaching out to voters of all parties and encouraging them to vote Republican. I believe that allowing decline to state voters to vote in our statewide primary elections sends a strong message to them that we value their vote as well in the general election. So I would oppose efforts to prevent them from voting Republican if they wish to.’’
True colors...
Hmm, so 2 of 3 are RINOs then.
All three actually.
No, all three technically are Rinos. the state is so screwed, it’s own party is driven to conceding defeat..
Moonbeam could beat any of them..
what does that say about the california electorate and the Ca GoP?
Plugged into the past, expecting someone else to pay for the future.
Dont worry everyone! Arnie will save the California GOP!
Same thing it says about the national electorate. John McCain...need I say more?
I'm for splitting California into 2 or 3 states. How about the People's Republic of Los Angeles, People's Republic of San Berkramento, and California.
No more socialist indoctrinated, aka Harvard grad,out of touch, paid for cronies. Thanks but no thanks.
All three RINOs may well support cross over voting since it promotes moderation but they aren't prepared to leave the GOP if the primary is closed.
As all know, the problem with partisans is a distinct misunderstanding of the concept of advancing conservatism. No victory is hollow in their eyes.
I will NEVER understand why we let people who want us DEAD (i.e., Democrats) to participate in choosing OUR candidates.
The Republicans were IDIOTS for EVER allowing this.
Just say no to Meg Poizbell.
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