Memo to John Cornyn re: Primary Picks – It’s out of your hands

Roll Call: Sen. John Cornyn said during a closed-door meeting Tuesday that he expects colleagues to bring their concerns to him about candidates he recruits as National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman — and not to help mount challenges against them, Republicans familiar with the meeting said Thursday.

Although not mentioned by name, the Republicans said the Texas lawmaker’s speech was clearly intended for the ears of Sen. Jim DeMint. [MORE] 

Cornyn can save his breath. Challenges to Cornyn’s RINO picks are pretty much out of Jim DeMints hands. This is because the conservative base has become activists and is not going to settle for any old candidate with an R slapped on the end of their name.  If Cornyn doesn’t want to see NRSC picks go down in flames during primary fights, then he is going to have to do a better job getting in touch with what conservatives are actually looking for.

This is not to say that only 100% conservative candidate will do. Of course the base realizes that in some state allowances must be made (Scott Brown in Massachusetts is an example).  However, these softer conservative candidates must demonstrate some basic belief in conservative principles.  Candidates who have already demonstrated that they would support big government nonsense like TARP, the Stimulus or ObamaCare will be rejected everytime.

Cornyn had better hurry up and learn this lesson quickly, otherwise the NRSC will be flushing more money down the toilet in 2012.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Roll Call

Rand Paul may not support Mitch McConnell for Minority Floor Leader

Ever wonder what an outsider’s voice might bring to the GOP in Washington?  Here is an example: 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Front-runner Rand Paul said in a U.S. Senate debate Monday night that he may not support Kentucky's other senator, Mitch McConnell, for minority floor leader if he's elected.

"I'd have to know who the opponent is and make a decision at that time," Paul said in a sometimes testy televised debate, the final face off in what has become an increasing acrimonious race to replace Sen. Jim Bunning.

His chief Republican opponent, Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson, said he "proudly" would vote for McConnell. McConnell endorsed Grayson in the May 18 primary. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint, who endorsed Paul, has been mentioned as a potential McConnell opponent for minority leader, though DeMint has said he has no such intention.

Paul is considered an outsider to the Republican political establishment, which has supported Grayson. Paul, a Bowling Green eye surgeon, is leading in the polls. 

I agree with Rand Paul on this one. We should not automatically vote for McConnell without seeing who else might want the job. Quite frankly, I find McConnell to be a wee bit wishy washy and a good example of yesterday’s Republican.

I don’t see McConnell as fully understanding the gravity of America’s current situation. I think he still believes he is dealing with the Democrats of yesterday. I would like to see someone with a lot more bite and firmer principles, someone like Jim DeMint.

DeMint: "I feel a sense of urgency that some of my colleagues don't," he said in an interview. "The Republican Party, at least a segment of it within Washington, has increasingly joined the big-government, big-spending, earmarking ranks." 

See what I mean? Even on the House side, I would like to see someone else other than John Boenher. While more aggressive than McConnell, Boenher too seems a bit dated.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: Associated Press

Via: The Washington Post