Posted on 10/27/2009 7:45:09 AM PDT by Sub-Driver
Gingrich calls GOP support for Hoffman a 'purge' By Jordan Fabian - 10/27/09 09:47 AM ET
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) late Monday had some choice words for Republicans supporting Conservative Party party candidate Doug Hoffman (N.Y.), accusing them of conducting a "purge" of the GOP.
Many national Republican figures, such as Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-Minn.) and ex-Gov. Sarah Palin (R-Alaska), have backed Hoffman over GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava in the 23rd district's special election this year. The district has been long-held by Republicans, but many conservatives have shied away from Scozzafava for her socially liberal positions and the local GOP's selection process that they say was not transparent.
Gingrich broke the mold and backed Scozzafava, saying her candidacy gave the Republicans the best shot of regaining a congressional majority. The former Speaker faced a push-back from the right after his announcement but he upped the ante on Monday.
"This idea that we're suddenly going to establish litmus tests and all across the country we're going to purge the party of anybody who doesn't agree with us 100 percent; that guarantees Obama's reelection, that guarantees Pelosi as Speaker-for-life," he told Fox News last night.
Gingrich called Scozzafava a "liberal Republican" for her support of gay marriage and abortion rights. But he defended those positions as in-step with her district and her predecessor, former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was tapped to be President Barack Obama's Army Secretary.
But he said that her endorsement from the National Rifle Association, her signing a no tax-increase pledge, and her opposition to cap-and-trade and healthcare reform legislation made her "adquately conservative in an upstate New York district."
Gingrich also attacked Hoffman for not having proper knowledge of local issues and living outside the 23rd district.
"So I say to many conservative friends who suddenly decided whether they're from Minnesota, or Alaska, or Texas, they know more than the upstate New York Republicans? I don't think so," he added.
Okay, yeah. I agree with you there Newt.
We need a purge - of RINOS
stop digging Newt...
I’m getting to ‘un-like’ newt.
If Newt is on the GOP ticket for anything, including dog catcher, consider me a Purger.
I remember when Gingrich was smart.
“Gingrich called Scozzafava a “liberal Republican” for her support of gay marriage and abortion rights. But he defended those positions as in-step with her district and her predecessor, former Rep. John McHugh (R-N.Y.), who was tapped to be President Barack Obama’s Army Secretary.”
As long as killing a few kids is in step with your district, go ahead and support it.
Newt, please go away.
Purge is good... Long live the Purge!!
Purging is good, rids the bowels of toxins.
You are next to be purged !!
Gingrich, looking at you makes me want to purge. And I don’t mean purge the party. I mean purge the Quaker Oats I ate this morning.
Has Newt’s FBI file surfaced? Is this why he’s turned into such a closet liberal?
Sorry, Newt . . . but party loyalty means nothing -- and I mean absolutely, less-than-sh!t-at-the-bottom-of-a-ditch, NOTHING -- to me.
Sometimes one needs a purge. A Rino laxative to get those guys out of the system.
Newt, you are losing more credibility with each and every appearance.
Yo Newt, guess what, the people want their party back. The party isn’t about you beltway DC insiders, it is about the VOTERS- and the voters are speaking.
Even if we don’t win this one, this is an exercise in using our voice. It is better you learn now in an off season race than you have a revolt on your hands during a major election cycle.
Sit and spin, fat man!
How right you are Newt and you are now on the list of those the purge from the party.
Sure think Newt.
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