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EDITOR OF REDSTATE

Despite Claiming Otherwise, the NRSC Endorses Carly Fiorina

Fiorina, Ayotte, and Grayson become establishment candidates. That means they must all three be beaten.

By: Erick Erickson (Diary)  |  December 14th, 2009 at 03:30 PM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

I realize we’re playing adolescent word games with the NRSC when it comes to Carly Fiorina. Just last week, John Cornyn said the NRSC would not be endorsing anyone, including Carly Fiorina.

Reconciling that with the fact that the NRSC is entering into a joint fundraising venture with Fiorina is impossible.

The NRSC and the Fiorina campaign joined forces to form the Fiorina Victory Committee, according to paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission on Dec. 4. The committee allows the party and Fiorina to split funds raised via joint events or appeals.

The CQ article says a few times that the NRSC has not endorsed Fiorina, but that is like Bill Clinton saying he “did not have sexual relations with that woman.” In fact, the NRSC is fully in bed with Fiorina.

Inevitably though, what the NRSC does in response is what they did with CQ.

The NRSC told CQ-Roll Call it is “willing to conduct joint fundraising events with virtually any Republican candidate who asks, provided they have the potential to help the Committee raise money in addition to their own campaigns.”

Of course, what they did not tell CQ is that they really have no intention of doing that. Take Chuck DeVore for example. He has tried a half dozen times to meet with John Cornyn, but has been rebuffed each time. In fact, Cornyn said last week he would love to meet with DeVore, but failed to mention his staff has rebuffed every single offer to meet by the DeVore campaign.

The NRSC cannot keep having it both ways. The Washington punditocracy may buy into the “we have not endorsed anyone” horse hockey, but the rest of us know that line is no better than Clinton’s denial of sex with Lewinsky.

No one is genuinely buying it.

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COMMENTS

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  • redtillimdead

    Kelly Ayotte? You are seriously going to fight the woman who went to the supreme court for her pro-life views?
    Seriously?
    Tell me, what sounds better to you? A young,conservative woman who leads in the polls or the old washed up has-been old conservative man who trails in all the polls?
    Trey Grayson. Show me where he is NOT conservative?
    Sorry, but I will not not support someone just because they are backed by the establishment.

  • dhorowitz3

    God bless your work in California with DeVore, but are you sure that the other two races are good examples? Rand Paul might turn out to be at least as good if not better than Grayson, but Ayotte seems to be the best choice in NH. Is there someone better there?

  • http://www.erickerickson.org Erick Erickson

    And happy to give her a second look. But I’m with Rand Paul all the way in Kentucky.

  • dhorowitz3

    It all has to do with a credible alternative. In KY we have one with Paul (although I want to make sure that he doesn’t share his father’s view on islamofacim). I don’t think we have a better alternative in New Hampshire. Also, Ayotte seems pretty good herself. The next step is to knock off Bennett in Utah with Cherilyn Eagar.

  • Third Street

    Ah, Erick, you realize that the alternative to Grayson is the Son Of The Most Holy Prophet Himself, right? The Apostle Paul? WeDeserved9/11, The Next Generation? Seriously? And what’s wrong with Grayson in the first place, that makes him unacceptable?

    I’m with redtillimdead; I don’t see endorsement by the NRSC as an automatic reason to oppose a candidate. Crist and Fiorina are one thing, but Grayson? Ayotte? Ayotte is the only serious Republican candidate in that race.

  • http://www.erickerickson.org Erick Erickson

    n/t

  • Third Street
  • Third Street

    And I despise his dad.

  • http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com Don’t Tase Me Bro

    What’s wrong with Kelly Ayotte? She is a great shot to hold the seat and I don’t have any issues with her. There is no logic in opposing her run and who would take her place?

    As for Fiorna, I am all for supporting strong conservative candidates when it makes sense to, but I’m not sure DeVore is able to win in a state like California. I obviously wouldn’t support Fiorina in Arizona or Nevada or one of the nearby mountain states, but we’re talking about California here. When the last time a conservative anybody won any state wide race in that state?

    I’m with you on Grayson. Rand Paul is much more suitable.

    It’s been one thing when we’ve taken on folks like Arlen Specter and Frank Murkowski and such. They were so horrible that losing the seat wouldn’t have changed that much anyway. But when you start going after Kelly Ayotte (and maybe Fiorina, I don’t know) I think you begin to cut off your nose to spite your own face.

  • pilgrim

    I don’t want my gallery of 2010 freshman senate class to be minus Ayotte.

    http://www.redstate.com/pilgrim/2009/12/09/2010-us-senate-freshman-class/

  • http://www.voterubio2010.com nelsa

    The NRSC has been a complete joke this year. They have been supporting candidates that they believe will win other than sticking to conservative principles.

    The race in Florida between Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist is a perfect example of this indesicsion by the NRSC.

    The story I wrote in early November about it is somewhat long but it pulls together a lot of the points that Erick is making.

    NRSC Dumps Crist for Now
    http://voterubio2010.blogspot.com/2009/11/nrsc-dumps-crist-for-now.html

  • redtillimdead

    His ideology can win statewide. He just doesn’t have the money.

  • redtillimdead

    I support Grayson until I see some sign that Rand Paul is different than Ron Paul. I will do some research on him, but so far, I’m for Grayson

  • Swamp_Yankee

    We can dream on conservative tides, but this fight is far from over. NH is one a few possible gains for the Dems. Paul Hodes ca nwin. Its a two vote swing.

    Obama is not going anywhere in 2010. To me, stalling his agends is more important than seeking revenge against the “establishment”.

    I feared this. Every ‘ham and egger’ outsider is now going to stick a Tea Party label on their forehead and undiscerning conservatives ar egoing to jump on their bandwagon because they look good on paper from afar.

    If Ovide Lamogtagne was so courageous, why has he been a ghost since he was crushed in 1996. He’s done nothing for the party.

    Back when NH was a Red State, he lost by 17 points to Jeanne Shaheen in the race for Governor. His pathetic campaign actually helped give power to the Dems and helped turn the state Blue. He’s just not a good candidate. And now he is being opportunistic. I wont be duped. The others are nobodys and moderates.

    A two vote swing is too important. Ayotte is fine. Ayotte for Senate. Country first.

  • http://joshuatrevino.com Joshua Trevino

    …. and I don’t — but even if I did, isn’t that something you and the grassroots can do something about?

    Funds and victory do not spring ex nihilo into being.

  • Marcus_Traianus

    Not super informative, but somewhat revealing.

    He seems to be putting some distance between himself and senior on some issues. I didn’t care for his answer on the war in Iraq and think it needs some explanation.

    I would say the jury is still out- for now.

  • Third Street

    If by “doesn’t have the money” you mean “really does have the money; she just isn’t going to actually spend it because even she knows her candidacy is a loser.”

  • momo

    but I am totally voting for Chuck Devore and I will give him some money too!!! We need to support Conservatives-middle of the road doesn’t cut it anymore.

  • AceInTX

    Take the gloves off…call for the NRSC to help him raise funds as well…do it publicly and do it loudly….and do it without rest…face their duplicity and lies head on…the base is mad as hell…and they are getting madder…this would propel Devore in front of Fiorina faster than any other strategy because the “teach the establishment a lesson” message is what is driving the base tight now…

    This is beyond belief!

  • bs

    When Marco Rubio barely had two nickels to rub together, we didn’t let that stop us from supporting him over Crist, did it? And look where he is now – on the cusp of overtaking Charlie.

    We can make a difference in Mr. DeVore’s campaign account, just as we did with Rubio. In fact, you can do it right here

  • Third Street

    Supports drug legalization and mostly opposes the WOT, opposing the Iraq War outright and tap-dancing around the issue of Afghanistan with insistence of a declaration of war he knows is never going to come. He’s Ron, Jr.

    I support wresting control of the GOP from the country-club establishment. The problem with doing that is that we have to take great care that the people we replace them with don’t turn out to be complete lunatics.

    (I reiterate: What’s wrong with Trey Grayson?)

  • fpete13527

    Time to major slam dunk the NRSC. They are not listening and they are not listening that they are not listening.

    For the heck of it I just logged on to the NRSC to see what is the first main thing poppoing out in BOLD. Another person they supposedly now aren’t trying to fund.

    I will a give you a hint who it is that pops out in BIG BOLD CAPTION WHEN YOU LOG IN.
    HINT: HE IS FROM FLORIDA AND IS VERY TANNED AND IS NOT MARCO RUBIO AND HAS INITIALS CC.

    Log In and see for yourself
    http://www.nrsc.org/

    SLAM DUNK THE NRSC… AND THEN SLAM DUNK THEM MORE

  • red_oakster

    It seems at odds with the hawkish foreign policy I thought was central to your and Red State’s principles.

  • Flagstaff

    this points up the problems/situations that arise when a group of folks who are often conservative are asked to decide between others like themselves and Conservatives.

    It also illustrates why Conservatives should make their donations directly to primary candidates–the folks with conservative leanings are donating theirs to the NRSC and we know whare that will go. The NRSC isn’t always wrong. RedState honchos aren’t always right. But the NRSC can do a lot more damage when it’s wrong than RedState can.

    The duplicity of the NRSC is another thing, and another reason to withhold their money. In fact, the idea that they can help a candidate fund-raise without effectively endorsing her (while NOT fund-raising for her opponents) is an assertion worthy of a Steny Hoyer or Barack Obama. It is so unbelievable that to say it with a straight face indicates a level of confidence (that the statement will never be questioned seriously) that might have been held by Boss Tweed.

    If there is a reason for the NRSC to exist, it is to help lesser-known candidates who need help in fund-raising. It should not require the candidate to respond in kind until after he or she is elected.

  • Marcus_Traianus

    He looks like a good candidate and has a decent record as Kentucky SoSm But I don’t know the “rub” (other then he went to Harvard :-)

  • http://www.voterubio2010.com nelsa

    Just as I suggested above. They are still at it. They support Crist 100% and say that all Rubio has to do is ask!

    I still cant believe that THAT link points there.

  • redtillimdead

    I haven’t seen Fiorina’s FEC report. I’ve seen Devore’s and it ain’t pretty!

  • AceInTX

    McConnell forced Bunning out because he was polling bad after the McCain fiasco…(yet another example of establishment tom foolery)…how does he look against a likely Dem opponent should he change his mind and run for reelection? How would Republicans react if he decides to stay? wouldn’t that be a better stick in the eye to McConnell and the establishment than Paul or on of the other Republicans running in the primaries? Is anyone in the Republican Party, the conservative movement or the tea party movement doing anything to check this out and or encourage him to stay?

  • http://www.voterubio2010.com nelsa

    5-4-3-2-1……

  • redneck_hippie

    I just heard his first radio ad today for 2010. He has a long row to hoe because Illinois shows very little sign of repentence from their big government ways.

  • AceInTX

    I mentioned these questions above…but I’ll ask you directly…do you know the answer to any of the following…and/or do you know anyone who does and can answer it?

    McConnell forced Bunning out because he was polling bad after the McCain fiasco?(yet another example of establishment Tom Foolery)?

    1) How does Bunning look against a likely Dem opponent should he change his mind and run for reelection?

    2) How would Republicans in KY react if he decides to stay and Run for reelection?

    3) Wouldn?t that be a better stick in the eye to McConnell and the establishment than Paul or on of the other Republicans running in the primaries?

    4) Wouldn’t Bunning have an advantage over Grayson if he ran as an incumbent running for his own seat?

    5) Is anyone in the Republican Party, the conservative movement or the tea party movement doing anything to check this out and or encourage him to stay?

  • http://www.nighttwister.com NightTwister

    The NRSC is being a little more covert about their involvement in her campaign, but they are involved just the same. Cornyn and McCain are also individually very involved.

  • IJB

    But I’m with DeVore, and IIRC there is someone in NH running against Ayotte, and I’d give that person a serious, serious look.

  • Swamp_Yankee

    Sean Mahoney, independent business = OUT
    Bill Binney, liberal Republican = IN

    Then there is Ovide and Kelly.

    As I noted, Ovide lost the gubernatorial race to Shaheen by 17 points in 1996. I forgot he lost the Republican Primary for Congress in 1992 by 15 points.

    One more tidbit. Ovide went to Washington last summer to solicit support from the NRSC. After that, they held an event for Kelly in D.C. That was the event that changed everything. They never endorsed Kelly. But Ovide felt spurned, and probably justifiably so. But dont buy the meme that he is some Tea Party outsider now. He’s just riding the tide.

    The difference between Kelly and Ovide is negligible. The main difference is that Kelly whips Hodes in every poll and Ovide, a has been perennial loser, does not.

    Ovide and the NRSC:

    http://nhpoliticalreport.com/lamontagne-meets-with-nrsc/

  • ceili_dancer

    Call me delusional, but I thought a few months back that the NRSC “endorsed” Fiorino because she could and would self fund freeing up cash for other boondoggles the NRSC wants to get in to.

  • AceInTX

    where Ron Paul goes off the rails to crazy town is on Foreign Policy…and a Senator doesn’t really influence it except on treaties…I wouldn’t oppose either as a Senator

  • AceInTX

    convenient ain’t it?

  • http://www.voterubio2010.com nelsa

    it comes up with Crist’s picture with a twitter ad. Did HE pay for that or did the NRSC? That would solve the question of whether or not they are spending money to support Crist.

  • http://impudent.blognation.us/blog kyle8

    in congress than either the Rino’s we have been facing, or more Democrats. They only way they would be problematic is if they were a large enough group to form a voting block.

  • AceInTX

    There wouldn’t even be a primary in KY if McConnel hadn’t used the KY Republican Machine to push Bunning out of running as an incumbent…Bunning has always been a conservative stalwart…his numbers tanked last year after the Dem Tide. I doubt he’d show as bad now against the Dem if he decided to stay but now that he’s put and everyone has jumped in because McConnell forced him out…it’d be hard for him to get back in!

  • bucfish

    And at least he brings up more pressing issues like the debt and such. I mean how many people knew the about the Federal Reserve in this country three years ago? Besides terrorism is the least of our worries the greatest enemies to our Constitution are in DC. And Grayson is slapping their backs at big $$$ fundraisers in DC. Grayson worked for Clintons campaign too in the 90′s.

  • AceInTX
  • bucfish

    And at least he brings up more pressing issues like the debt and such. I mean how many people knew the about the Federal Reserve in this country three years ago? Besides terrorism is the least of our worries the greatest enemies to our Constitution are in DC. And Grayson is slapping their backs at big $$$ fundraisers in DC. Grayson worked for Clintons campaign too in the 90′s.

    And why despise Ron he is at least totally honest. Which is refreshing in a way.

  • bucfish

    Blessed are the peacemakers…

  • Swamp_Yankee

    That is the source of her “establishment” status. Gregg was reluctant to retire without finding a suitable replacement. He personally lobbied her. It was he who held the event for Ayotte in D.C. Whatever the NRSC’s invovlement comes largely from him.

    And I think that’s fine. Gregg is very popular in NH. So he lobbied a friend to run in his shoes. Who cares. And if I may recall, Gregg was one of the few Republicans who actually voted against Medicare Part D. Ayotte will be fine.

  • http://joshuatrevino.com Joshua Trevino

    She revealed this two weeks into her effort. By contrast, DeVore is paying his bills 100% through funds raised.

    You tell me which of the two efforts is sustainable through November 2010.

  • http://www.carolinapoliticsonline.com Don’t Tase Me Bro

    But bs, Rubio can win the Senate seat in Florida if he defeats Crist in the primary. I’m not so sure DeVore can in California.

  • bs

    Bad logic there.

  • SteveLA

    bs

    Do you know California, or more properly the voters of CA? If DeVore runs as mainly the social conservative guy, he may win the primary but loose big time in the General election. CA is not a socially conservative state plain and simple.

    Make noise about being fiscal conservative, law and order, doing something about illegal aliens, DeVore can win, but what is he going to run as?

  • Illinicon

    While I am no fan of the NRSC, I think its it also illlogical to be against a candidate on the sole basis that the NRSC endorsed them. Ayotte is a strong conservative who is leading in the general election polls in a blue state with no viable primary challanger. In Kentucky, I really don’t know that much about Grayson but his issue stances on his campaign website are all inline with mainstream conservatism and I didnt see any redflags while googling his record as KY SOS, where as Rand Paul is his father’s son and he is too dangerous to be in the US senate that democrats will likely have control of in 2011 and 12.

  • janis

    liberal California that voted down gay marriage?

  • SteveLA

    janis

    A fair question, let me try to answer it.

    1) The African American vote was huge, they voted for Obama and they voted for Prop 8. In the AA community “gay” is not something to be proud of. Throw in some very nice gay people dressed in their matching chinos and shirts telling the AA community about civil rights, there was a lot of “I don’t think so”.

    This community will not vote in the numbers seen during the last election and they are not going to get excited about a Orange County Republican.

    2) Some of the vote against Prop 8 was a statement against Judaical over-reach and Gods in Black Robes telling us what to do. We had to vote for Prop 8 because the CA supreme court threw out Prop 22. Many people who are ambivalent on the topic were very PO’d about that.

    3) The last abortion initiative, I voted for it by the way, which added parental notifications to the law went down to defeat.

    The claim that CA is turning social conservative based on Prop 8 results ignores at least those few factors and many more.

    DeVore can win in CA, but he has to run on issues that touch the middle class in this state; taxes, crime, illegal immigration. It’s up to DeVore to define what his issues are that will make I’s, moderate Rs and moderate D’s vote for him.

  • SteveLA

    The margin of victory for Prop 8?

    52.24 Yes
    47.76 No

    I attribute a large part of the victory to African Americans, Latino and LDS/Catholic voters who were very energized by their respective churches.

  • Scope

    what is it with Rand Paul that has convinced you to back him? I’m sure not many, including me know much abot Rand. What has he done to warrant your support?

  • Third Street

    The reason Bunning was polling badly, and drew both Grayson and Paul as primary challengers well before deciding to drop out, is because Bunning would have been an almost certain loser. He’s almost 80 years old and is unpopular in the state.

    In ’04, his Democrat opponent — who is running again, and is facing a primary against another candidate even stronger than he is — bucked the Bush tide and came within a point of toppling Bunning.

    Bunning’s approval rating, last I checked, was 35%.

    He knew enough to get out.

  • arc_ut

    I agree that knocking out Senator Bob Bennett from Utah would be a great step forward, and that Cherilyn Eagar is the best candidate running or planning to run for his seat.

  • AceInTX

    I don’t know anything beyond the fact that McConnel played some games with the KYGOP to force him out and he’s backing Grayson.

  • momofthecastle

    I liked what I heard.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M389Duh09Nk&feature=youtube_gdata

  • redneck_hippie
  • Gengisdon

    Something I never thought to see happen.

    While I must admit I like the idea of Republican infighting in principle, as an actual resident of Kentucky I would really prefer you guys nominate a legitimate, sound, sane candidate. You will probably win this seat in 2010 – the “A” list Dems were drawn to the race by a declining Bunning, but neither AG Conway or Lt. Gov Mongiardo are likely to win in November in the current environment. Rand Paul as your candidate improves the Democratic odds slightly, but probably not enough to turn the tide.

    Trust me, I don’t like Greyson. He’s not liberal, or RINO, or any of those things. This is not an endorsement. But Rand and his merry band are, well, nuts. I’m not sure if this is just an attempt to put a stick in the eye of McConnell, which is something else I like in principle, but Rand is a lightweight with some curious ideas about government.

    If it has gotten so bad that the base simply must fight the establishment no matter what the cost, then you guys are really starting to remind me of my own party. The Democrats have been missing their nose for a long time with a very spited face.

    Somewhere, Streiff is smacking his hand against his face….

  • http://www.the41stvote.org rcov092

    John Cornyn is evidently a liar. I gave him money for his personal campaign. I am going to write him a letter asking him for it back.

  • http://www.the41stvote.org rcov092

    n/t

  • Chieftain1776

    as to why Grayson is not conservative.
    http://www.redstate.com/chieftain1776/2009/12/15/a-defense-of-ericks-endorsement-of-rand-paul/

  • Michael Dugas

    All I get is double speak. When I call him on the Healthcare fight no matter what I ask or say all he will say is ” We are trying to stop it so we can start over.” That has been the word for word response to three different posts. When I bring up Fiorina he won’t respond
    and he SWEARS that Chuck DeVore’s never asked for a meeting.
    Being that I have experience with John Cornyn I feel comfortable
    with my opinion that he is a liar.
    I don’t doubt for a minute that for people at the NRSC, like Cornyn, believe that the passing of Obama Care is a sure fire path to the majority with not one care as to the damage it will do to our country or his own constituents.

  • Crimefyter

    There is an alternative Conservative candidate in KY. www.kentuckybill.com
    He is grassroots…he’s gaining support throughout the state….his message is resonating with the people. Just thought I’d ask in case I and many others are missing something.

  • Crimefyter

    Take a look at Bill Johnson. www.kentuckybill.com
    He’s gaining support and his message is resonating with many in the state of KY.

  • letswinsomeelections

    Difference is Norton is a conservative. Anyone looking at her issues on her website can see it.

  • http://www.healthinsurance4utah.com utahhealthinsurance

    Obviously I would disagree with Arc. Mike Lee is the best candidate with the best chance to win against Bob Bennett and will prove so immediately following his entrance into the race.