Posted on 08/08/2006 10:09:18 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
DETROIT - Republican Rep. Joe Schwarz lost his district's nomination Tuesday, falling to a staunchly conservative challenger in a race dominated by a struggle over GOP principles that attracted more than $1 million in spending by outside groups.
Schwarz, a moderate who supported abortion rights, was defeated by former state lawmaker Tim Walberg. With 88 percent of the precincts reporting, Walberg had 54 percent, or 30,592 votes. Schwarz had 46 percent, or 26,441 votes.
Walberg, a former pastor, contended Schwarz's views did not represent the rural district in southern Michigan. He vowed to vote against pork-laden spending plans, tax increases and the expansion of abortion and gay marriage.
"We have to believe that we won because the mission was clear, the message was clear and the agenda was clear," Walberg said.
Schwarz, who was backed by President Bush and Arizona Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), was forced to defend his views on social issues along with taxes, immigration and spending.
The first-term congressman accused outside groups of trying to buy a seat in Congress by helping Walberg pay for TV ads. He said the primary was "probably a victory for right to life, anti-abortion, anti-embryonic stem cell groups but it's a net loss for the Republican party because it just pushes the party farther to the right."
Republican Rep. Joe Schwarz, right, pats Taleyah Norwood, 9, of Battle Creek, Mich., as her father, Norman, center, watches during the Schwarz's campaign watch party in Marshall, Mich., Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006. Schwarz, a moderate who supports abortion rights, faces a vigorous challenge from conservative Tim Walberg, a former state lawmaker. (AP Photo/Scott Erskine)
So the press has to add 'staunchly'. How do they refer to the radical left? Anyone, anyone? Buehler? Buehler?
The only bellweather races are the ones the more Liberal candidate wins, don'tcha know.
your question is moot because they do nor refer to said group
Good. Maybe this means we might actually get some real conservatives now instead of these Hannity-type empty suits. Any chance we could change Bush for Bolton or Tancredo in this primary?
Great news!
Just how safe is this district? Can a red meat conservative win it?
Yes! Sleazy Schwarz is out after sneaking in past three better candidates last time. The number of liberal groups (from the Lansing State Urinal to enviro-nuts) that aligned to try and keep Schwarz in power were formidable, but truth has prevailed.
I'm proud my family and I cast our votes today :)
You wouldn't be suggesting that the media is biased are you? How dare you challenge our free press /wink
Welcome to FR..
That would be a moderate.
Sorry but I don't know.
"He said the primary was "probably a victory for right to life, anti-abortion, anti-embryonic stem cell groups but it's a net loss for the Republican party because it just pushes the party farther to the right."
Uh, that pretty much defines much of the Republican format so how could it be a net loss. Jackass. I'm glad he lost.
I think you may have a short stay.
The was hardly any coverage of McKinney's loss either, it's all about Lieberman. Of course LaMont is labeled great guy but if Toomey had knocked off Specter 2 years ago, and if Rick Santorum and the President hadn't helped him then it would have happened, the Press would have thrown a fit.
Why was doggydevil banned?
Well I will be watching this race closely. "Rinos" are usually elected due to the voting population being "Rinos" unless he campaigned as a real "Republican", and then reverted.
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