tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post8839238932705217185..comments2023-10-08T03:32:30.673-04:00Comments on MoreMonmouthMusings: The Conservative Case for Chris ChristieArt Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04100037385214581196noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-149886635817258382009-03-03T15:18:00.000-05:002009-03-03T15:18:00.000-05:00I think the better comparison is that Bret Schundl...I think the better comparison is that Bret Schundler was Goldwater and Lonegan is Reagan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-15255129806775341572009-03-01T23:34:00.000-05:002009-03-01T23:34:00.000-05:00Anonymous, thank you for your compliment. It is a...Anonymous, thank you for your compliment. It is appreciated. Now, to why I feel the way I do about this race, and why I believe that Chris Christie is wrong for the party. I am tired of the "giving in", "the polls say", "we have to meet them in the middle" party platform. This is not a platform, it is submission. Vague ideas, half baked plans, and lack of passion will kill any candidate. True, in some cases (last presidental) passions and no plan can work, but something else has to be present, namely blame. <BR/><BR/>Halfacre tried to draw the following comparison, Lonegan versus Christie, is like Goldwater versus Reagan. Sorry, he drew the wrong comparison. Today's debate has confirmed something I have been thinking about for awhile. The true comparison is Lonegan versus Christie is like Reagan versus Bush. Yes, Christie is more like Bush in many ways. But, the worse thing that will play out, is that Corzine will use that with incredible effect. No matter what vague idea Christie would spout, all Corzine will say is "Bush". Just like McCain, Christie will not have to defend the party line, he will have to convince everyone he is not Bush. <BR/><BR/>Now, Lonegan and his conservative platform, and solid ideas can win. He does not have to defend against a ghost. His passion on the problems and cures for the state will drive Corzine to defend his management of the current situation. Corzine cannot use the excuse that Lonegan was Bush's lacky and therefore he was by default the problem. No connection, no illusion.<BR/><BR/>Just to take away any doubt, I have been sold on Steve's ideas for a long time. Why, because I was looking for a person who had the same, straight forward, no garbage, old fashion way of running government. Why shouldn't New Jersey give it a try again?Bullmoose1952https://www.blogger.com/profile/02402036174584029987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-69148776887681225092009-03-01T20:06:00.000-05:002009-03-01T20:06:00.000-05:00Great repartee!But what does that have to do with ...Great repartee!<BR/><BR/>But what does that have to do with the abyss we are in now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-52676523212626203402009-03-01T16:45:00.000-05:002009-03-01T16:45:00.000-05:00To Anonymous: Do you have a clue to what you are ...To Anonymous: Do you have a clue to what you are talking about? He was a conservationalist who believed in the proper use of natural resources. As per his actions in the Spanish-American war, in which he brought together all levels of "society" his belief was that an individual in America should be allowed to reach his potential, regardless of social status. He believed in legal immigration as long as one integrated themselves into the American way, ie. learn English. He believed that businesses that exploited citizens were wrong. He also pledged to serve only two terms, inspite of that fact that since he accended to office via the assassination of McKinley he could have run for a second elected term. Just keeping this promise sets him far apart from just about all presidents (George Washington being one exception). As far as national health care, this was a response to the average worker have NO health care. He realized that it was better to have a healthy citizen, rather than a sick one. Remember, at that time, no business offered any health benefits. His wish was to empower all the citizens with the fundamental rights that all Americans have under the constitution. No sir, he was no RINO. The republican party he envisioned was one of a strong defense, smaller government and the right of every citizen to be able to enjoy the rights as granted to them by the All Mighty.Bullmoose1952https://www.blogger.com/profile/02402036174584029987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-54105590503581610392009-03-01T15:22:00.000-05:002009-03-01T15:22:00.000-05:00Bullmoose,How would you feel about a Republican ca...Bullmoose,<BR/><BR/>How would you feel about a Republican candidate who was an avowed tree hugger, who thought the courts were too tough on labor unions, who was in favor of universal health care and who wanted to pull the party "to the left"? Would you support that person?<BR/><BR/>Of course I'm talking about President Theodore "Bullmoose" Roosevelt, the original RINO. Apparently the irony escaped you when you chose your name.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-91688938467533779842009-03-01T13:54:00.000-05:002009-03-01T13:54:00.000-05:00Steve Lonegan cleans Christis's clock. Christie on...Steve Lonegan cleans Christis's clock. Christie only makes promises of bigger government, but no plan of action on anything else. Cannot understand the difference between a doctor and a drug pusher. This logic falls in line with his position on illegal immigrants. Levine lost like a little child.Bullmoose1952https://www.blogger.com/profile/02402036174584029987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-82327838419608904152009-03-01T10:42:00.000-05:002009-03-01T10:42:00.000-05:00Just watched the debate. Christie, hands down.Just watched the debate. Christie, hands down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-2677147065357236722009-02-28T16:42:00.000-05:002009-02-28T16:42:00.000-05:00There is a fact that I haven't seen mentioned here...There is a fact that I haven't seen mentioned here... the unaffiliated voter base now tops both Democrat and GOP. If I remember correctly approx 30% bigger that the Democrats and 50 % bigger than the GOP. They are in fact the majority!<BR/><BR/>The only thing saving both parties in NJ is that they haven't found a way to communicate yet.<BR/><BR/>Keep giving us candidates like Corzine and Christie that march the Party Line and we will find a way.<BR/><BR/>We are looking now!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-59181986567687176462009-02-28T15:26:00.000-05:002009-02-28T15:26:00.000-05:00The truth is that our last Republican governor was...The truth is that our last Republican governor was no better than a Democrat. Until this Christie proves he's better than that Christie, it doesn't much matter of he beats Corzine. Unless he's ready to dismantle failed Democrat initiatives like COAH, he's more of the same. I'm hopeful Christie will step up, but I'm certain that Lonegan will. Of course we conservatives want to see Corzine lose, but we're not willing to take another "lesser of two evils" candidate like McCain or Forrester. Christie needs to show that he stands for true Republican ideals to earn our support.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-51728211972721429672009-02-28T14:50:00.000-05:002009-02-28T14:50:00.000-05:00I hear a lot of frustration and anger in the words...I hear a lot of frustration and anger in the words of the conservatives/Lonegan supporters. While I am not conservative, I do understand the frustration.<BR/><BR/>The people who have run this party in New Jersey have been moderates, just as I am. While I share their political philosophy, I cannot say that I agree with a lot of the actions they have taken.<BR/><BR/>I remember 2001 when Bret Schundler earned the GOP nomination. He busted his ass to win while Don DiFrancesco merely assumed the nomination was his. When DiFrancesco hit an iceberg and was clearly not going to win, our state party pushed back the date of the primary to allw Bob Franks a chance to knock Schundler off. It didn't work. They then patted Schundler on the back, said "nice job" and walked away from him.<BR/><BR/>I understand the concerns of our conservative members when the party apparatus has put forth Doug Forrester (twice) for statewide office and then last year's A to Z Senate nomination debacle. The record, when included with the 2001 governor's race is not impressive.<BR/><BR/>Having said that, I don't believe Chris Christie falls into the same category as the previously failed candidates. He has an impressive record as a federal prosecutor and I disagree with the assertion that that record means nothing in terms of being a governor. Competence, in any endeavor, has become a rare commodity these days and is a true virtue for any candidate.<BR/><BR/>And let's not treat Steve Lonegan like some fringe right wing candidate. He's not spouting off about God, guns and abortion. His message is about fiscal discipline and he's got a track record on the subject. He's led victories over Jon Corzine policies already. This is not Murray Sabrin we're talking about.<BR/><BR/>If Steve Lonegan wins the primary, I would support him in the general election provided he does not run a slate of candidates against incumbent Republicans.<BR/><BR/>I would urge supporters of both candidates to treat each other with respect. Our state is a mess right now. We need a Republican to clean it up. Tearing each other down gets in the way of that happening.<BR/><BR/>If Christie wins, I expect the conservative wing to support him. If Lonegan wins, I expect the party to do everything it can for him. <BR/><BR/><BR/>Joe Hadden<BR/>aka Lugar96Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-54374716519316586642009-02-28T14:40:00.000-05:002009-02-28T14:40:00.000-05:00Halfacre's post makes alot of sense, and the angry...Halfacre's post makes alot of sense, and the angry rantings of the Lonegan supporters have done nothing to change my mind about that. <BR/><BR/>In fact, "methinks they doth protest too much" and secretly, know what Halfacre says is true: Lonegan can't win. <BR/><BR/>Don't shoot the messenger, fellas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-11069997826987513192009-02-28T12:58:00.000-05:002009-02-28T12:58:00.000-05:00My translation of Mayor Halfacre's post:"Yeah, we ...My translation of Mayor Halfacre's post:<BR/><BR/>"Yeah, we all know that Steve is really the better man for the job with real ideas and real solutions. And well, yeah, we all know Christie isn't really a 'true' conservative but he pays it enough lip service. So, forget our principles because having an (R) in the state house is all that matters -- after all he's the 'most electable' -- just like John McCain."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-31074651154447669822009-02-28T11:46:00.000-05:002009-02-28T11:46:00.000-05:00Are these guys running for the nomination of the C...Are these guys running for the nomination of the Conservative Party or the Republican Party? <BR/><BR/>Lonegan is a good fit for the former, Christie for the latter. <BR/><BR/>'nuff said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-20151148364228318752009-02-28T10:45:00.000-05:002009-02-28T10:45:00.000-05:00The "conservative wing" of the party would rather ...The "conservative wing" of the party would rather lose and point fingers than win. Simple as that. Imagine if they actually won an office for a change, they wouldn't know what to do with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-26882647354109148542009-02-28T09:31:00.000-05:002009-02-28T09:31:00.000-05:00God forbid someone disagree with the orthodoxy. So...God forbid someone disagree with the orthodoxy. Some on the right are as bad as the worst of the liberal media.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-74396573770314833542009-02-28T08:45:00.000-05:002009-02-28T08:45:00.000-05:00It seems all to many Republicans are more interest...It seems all to many Republicans are more interested in winning - regardless the cost - than standing for the fundamental party principles. If the way to win is being more like the Democrats than why don't we all just become Democrats?<BR/><BR/>Mayor, you try to justify what you are doing by claiming Christie is the best chance to win. However, that is not the case. He is trying to be middle of the road and win over Democrats and independents by being more like the Democrats than Republicans. … and we have seen what that has gotten us over the past 8 years.<BR/><BR/>Of course, if Republicans plan to win is by moving the party to the left, is that really winning? .... Or is that allowing the Democrats to win by letting them control our party?<BR/><BR/>Christie talks about "gutting" COAH, well why not just work to eliminate it. He will take a Democrat plan and try to make it more Republican rather than working to get rid of it altogether and implement a Republican solution in the first place. That is just one example of how Christie is trying to be more like the Democrats to try and win. If that is the way to win, again, why not just be a Democrat?<BR/><BR/>He talks about education and "school choice" by proposing charter schools? And accountability? He puts forward nothing different than is currently being pushed by Democrats and Republicans. Why not come out for vouchers? ... Or is he too worried about losing the support of the NJEA and the Democrats?<BR/><BR/>Christie talks about tax cuts, but says it won't happen in the first year and he has no tax plan to change the tax structure. Is that how Republicans are going to win? Isn't that the same thing Democrats are doing?<BR/><BR/>Mr. Christie is not attempting to cut the size of our government, he is merely talking about making it work more efficiently. He is talking about prioritizing spending, not eliminating it. I believe I heard our current president say (to paraphrase) the question isn't whether we have to much government, but whether it is working efficiently. Where is the overall fundamental Republican principle and solution and plan coming from Mr. Christie?<BR/> <BR/>If Republicans want to win they have to do it by appealing to traditional Republican principles, not be moving to the left. That will win and you hear it in the people all over the place of all political backgrounds. Although they may not phrase it this way, they want a traditional Republican solution and specific plans to cut taxes, to cut the size of government, to cut spending, for school choice, to eliminate COAH, and so on. The only candidate that has all that is Lonegan. Your assessment that moderates will vote for Christie rather than Lonegan is incorrect, that is merely your unsubstantiated perception because you have no confidence in conservative Republican answers. <BR/><BR/>You say Christie is best suited to go against Corzine because the media and the left have painted Lonegan as conservative ... so it looks like you are allowing the media and the left determine who the Republican candidate should be. That is shallow and shows little confidence in Republican principles or solutions. To select a candidate because you think they will win moderate voters by being less Republican speaks volumes. <BR/><BR/>This is not about trying to attack Mr. Christie, but this IS about the Republican voters deciding the direction of their party. Do they just want to win by being more like Democrats, or do they want to win by being Republicans and then governing like Republicans to establish the party as the great Grand Old Party it is? If they have confidence in their party and its principles it will be the latter …. And, if so, they should support Lonegan.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-31956469169435449992009-02-28T07:59:00.000-05:002009-02-28T07:59:00.000-05:00Richard, calling Mayor Halfacre a "Judas" mayor of...Richard, calling Mayor Halfacre a "Judas" mayor of a "piss ant" town only demeans yourself. Like Eric S. said, you are capable of making good points, why ruin any chance of making them by name calling? <BR/><BR/>This is unfortunately the method of Lonegan/Shaftan supporters, and why Lonegan/Shaftan= FAILAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-41964260951973884932009-02-28T07:53:00.000-05:002009-02-28T07:53:00.000-05:00Pity poor Steve Lonegan. A smart guy, saddled with...Pity poor Steve Lonegan. A smart guy, saddled with supporters like Shaftan and Bull Moose, who can not muster anything but hate and name calling. <BR/><BR/>Christie, meanwhile, stays out of the gutter. <BR/><BR/>Is it any wonder these guys are on the "fringe"?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-33780482187640368362009-02-28T07:40:00.000-05:002009-02-28T07:40:00.000-05:00Congratulations on your upcoming run for national ...Congratulations on your upcoming run for national office Mayor Halfacre. Seems to be you've found a way to endear yourself to the party bosses. Meanwhile, I anxiously await some indication of Christie's current policy positions. If I have to judge him on his past, he falls woefully short. Bullmoose, you left out Christie's failures on gun rights. That snorting sound coming from Mr. Christie's supporters is reminiscent of something....isn't that the sound Rinos make?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-25336150806293547932009-02-28T07:21:00.000-05:002009-02-28T07:21:00.000-05:00Eric, well said. This party is big enough for eve...Eric, well said. This party is big enough for everyone. We need to stay focused on the positive.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-62584202781551142852009-02-27T23:47:00.000-05:002009-02-27T23:47:00.000-05:00I really think attacking those who don't happen to...I really think attacking those who don't happen to support your candidate personally is just one of the most immature actions one could do.<BR/><BR/>If Mayor Halfacre had chosen to support Mayor Lonegan, I would have respected his decision and moved on. There seems to be just a genuine lack of respect among some of those on opposite sides in this primary, and it really needs to stop. Last I checked, we are all adults, so maybe it's about time we behaved as so.<BR/><BR/>Calling people "Judas" and frequently using the phrase "cupcake" only makes you appear to be immature. And while your argument for Mayor Lonegan is framed with reasoning and principle, you diminish yourself by disrespecting and attackers others who do not see Chris Christie in the same light as you do.ESedlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16392181554662969184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-8350493387332094172009-02-27T22:56:00.000-05:002009-02-27T22:56:00.000-05:00The negative Loneganites should read Tommy DeSeno'...The negative Loneganites should read Tommy DeSeno's peice on Newt at CPAC:<BR/><BR/>He noted the lack of divisiveness in Reagan's speeches, and how he never missed a chance to appeal to Democrats and Independents. He suggested we all do the same with good, constructive ideas.<BR/><BR/>Richard above, take note: "constructive" "lack of divisiveness" "appeal to democrats and independents" <BR/><BR/>Where does Shaftan's strategy for Lonegan come into this scenario?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-49786503884328007132009-02-27T22:36:00.000-05:002009-02-27T22:36:00.000-05:00Richard, please leave the scorching of earth to me...Richard, please leave the scorching of earth to me. I have mastered the art of burning bridges. <BR/><BR/>Thank you, Rick S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-17189808660389397592009-02-27T22:33:00.000-05:002009-02-27T22:33:00.000-05:00Don't be a hater, BM!!Don't be a hater, BM!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20985341.post-64896873721849965432009-02-27T20:08:00.000-05:002009-02-27T20:08:00.000-05:00The inability of the Right whiners, er wingers, t...The inability of the Right whiners, er wingers, to engage in fair debate is staggering.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com