Scozza-mentum: T-Paw may endorse Hoffman
posted at 2:20 pm on October 23, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
ABC’s Rick Klein asked Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today about his thoughts on New York’s 23rd Congressional special election, and found that Pawlenty has definitely had his interest piqued by the sudden national coverage of the race. Earlier this week, Pawlenty — like most people — had paid little attention to the race to replace John McHugh, a moderate Republican joining the Obama administration. Now, however, he’s concerned about the credentials of the GOP-endorsed candidate, and told Klein that he’s considering an endorsement of Douglas Hoffman:
Pawlenty, who’s widely mentioned as a possible 2012 presidential candidate, said he will “probably” make an endorsement in the race — and sounded as if he’s poised to support Hoffman over Scozzafava.
“As a conservative I’m concerned about some of the alleged issue positions that she holds,” said Pawlenty, R-Minn. “I want to be fair to both candidates and look at their records. But there are some things that [I] have been told that you know, she holds dear, that may not be consistent with conservative principles.” …
But Pawlenty said that as far as he’s concerned, having an “R” next to a candidate’s name isn’t enough.
“As a conservative I am worried about some of the things I’ve heard in this race about how the person was selected,” he said. “It seemed to be a small group of insiders, as opposed to the party more broadly. But I want to take some time to get to know the records of these individuals before I make a decision about who to endorse or not.”
There is certainly some personal political calculation in this for Pawlenty. He understands that his image needs some burnishing among movement conservatives after his flirtations with the global-warming movement and his long alliance with John McCain. Endorsing a conservative against the Republican party establishment will build some credibility for both his Freedom First PAC and his eventual national run for the GOP nomination in 2012, or later.
Beyond that, though, it gives an indicator that even establishment Republicans have awoken to the conservative movement within the party. Pawlenty’s endorsement would give them more momentum, more inside momentum. It also builds Palin as a leader and an influence in the party. It won’t have anywhere near the effect that Palin had on donations — which also says something — but it pushes the GOP to the right a little further.
All of that comes at the expense of establishment Republicans, perhaps none more so than Newt Gingrich. The GOP bannercarrier miscalculated in both his initial endorsement and his continued defense of Dede Scozzafava. If Newt had hoped to be part of the future leadership of a resurgent Republican Party, NY23 appears at the moment to be a Waterloo.
Update: Gateway Pundit says Scozzafava’s out of money.
Update: Redstate says Scozzafava may have some serious problems on campaign money and family.
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Nice to see, but it’s purely political move for Pawlenty. Another RINO seeing which way the political wind is blowing.
chicagojedi on October 23, 2009 at 3:01 PM
Well said, er, M-oni!
Darksean on October 23, 2009 at 3:01 PM
McPawlenty:
The Next President of the United States, Sarah Palin:
There has never been a clearer difference between a leader and a follower. The difference between a warrior and a bench warmer.
Notice Sarah didn’t get in just one, but two Reagan references! She understands what the Gipper understood.
I’m sure McPawlenty is a very nice man. A decent man. I have no doubt he’s a good guy. But he is not made of presidential timber. He doesn’t have that rare quality of leadership one must have.
Sarah Palin however, has this quality flowing through her veins. It’s part of her very soul. I’ll go so far as to say she was born a natural leader.
This one episode, of what is sure to be many to come, should erase all doubt who it is that will lead this nation back to it’s rightful place in the world. Who it is that will return this nation back to a Constitutional Republic. Who it is that will lead us back to prosperity.
gary4205 on October 23, 2009 at 3:01 PM
He’ll mourn them till he joins them.
mcg0125 on October 23, 2009 at 3:02 PM
cs89 on October 23, 2009 at 2:49 PM
Very likely, and again telling….that huck is a petty man not fit for President. Now is not the time to hold grudges against fellow conservatives, but again Huck isn’t a conservative, he is the manifestation of everything I hate about the GOP…playing the conservative base, all the while being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Conservative Voice on October 23, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Or maybe A-Pun couldn’t handle it and jumped into a helium balloon, and is now hovering over the Hudson. /s
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 3:05 PM
I agree. Let’s cut Newt some slack. He’s made some mistakes, but who hasn’t?
He’s been a major asset for the cause and can again in the future.
aquaviva on October 23, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Way to lead there, Pawlenty. /
I can’t help but feel a tiny bit of sympathy for Scozza-whatever. I mean, she went through the same process at the local level the others did and the GOP morons chose her. For prominent Republicans to now be openly campaigning against her must suck, especially because she’s going to lose. I wouldn’t vote for her, as she is a liberal Dem, but I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes right now.
changer1701 on October 23, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Of course, he’s following her. He wants to be her veep.
promachus on October 23, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Heh.
Fallen Sparrow on October 23, 2009 at 3:08 PM
P/Paw?
LibTired on October 23, 2009 at 3:10 PM
I’d prefer Palin/Rubio. Can you imagine the Dems and media(I know, I’m being redundant) trying to label the GOP as the party of angry white males with a ticket like that?
Doughboy on October 23, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Wow everybody following alaska superwoman lead good.
bessex on October 23, 2009 at 3:12 PM
You can call him Tim Yawnplenty.
Emperor Norton on October 23, 2009 at 3:12 PM
Actually, she had less votes than another R on the committee but a pal of hers who chaired it threw it to her anyway.
Monica on October 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Meanwhile, in the next episode of Profiles in Courage, MItt Romney valiantly steps up to endorse Doug Hoffman!
(…..sound of crickets….)
Oh, wait……
victor82 on October 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM
I’m good with Palin/Fred!
Darksean on October 23, 2009 at 3:14 PM
Oops, let’s try that again…
Actually, she had less votes than another R in the running but a pal of hers who chaired the committee threw it to her anyway.
Monica on October 23, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Monica on October 23, 2009 at 3:15 PM
NICE
Monica on October 23, 2009 at 3:15 PM
Sarah Palin/Fred Thompson – thats the ticket!
Fred does need to get his eyes done, we can’t have him looking like Mondale did!)
lonestar1 on October 23, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Where will M-Cain fall? Surely him and GramNez-T will jump into this ordeal. Ya heards me?
mcg0125 on October 23, 2009 at 3:17 PM
They are still mulling it over…the democrat or scozza.
HornetSting on October 23, 2009 at 3:17 PM
You are awesome!
tim c on October 23, 2009 at 3:17 PM
No lie!
mcg0125 on October 23, 2009 at 3:18 PM
Wow, way to show leadership there, Yawnplenty, after everybody else has already chimed in.
Zzzzzzz
thirteen28 on October 23, 2009 at 3:19 PM
I just went over to
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 3:22 PM
thomasaur on October 23, 2009 at 3:22 PM
I know it’s Minnesota Nice to think out loud about what you might do, to ABC’s The Note, but…DON’T DO IT AGAIN!!!
Chris_Balsz on October 23, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Shoot
I just went over to Newt’s site and the comments against him are overwhelming! Everyone is expressing how they used to respect him, but no longer do. WOW!
http://newt.org/EditNewt/FeaturedBloggersDB/tabid/193/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4604/Default.aspx?GroupId=0
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 3:23 PM
Thanks for posting that. Clearly shows the divide between a person grounded in their values (leader) and a squish (follower).
cjs1943 on October 23, 2009 at 3:25 PM
Ed, that’s the understatement of the month. It’s calculating because he does not want to be marginalized by Sarah Palin like Newt Gingrich just did. Newt getting shafted doesn’t play well for Huckabee who is fully supported and endorsed by the Newt. Oh boy. Pass me the popcorn.
Sultry Beauty on October 23, 2009 at 3:25 PM
I just can’t see that happening. Again, Pawlenty is most likely an honorable man. But he is simply not presidential material. And the very first consideration when picking a VPOTUS, is can he/she be POTUS.
My absolute favorite line of the 2004 Presidential debate was when the moderator asked W the difference between Dick Cheney and John Edwards. Without hesitation Bush said: “Dick Cheney can be President!”
Remember when the idiot Rockefeller Republicans paired up Reagan with George H W Bush? How did that work out? Once Reagan completed his two terms, we got a squish who killed much of the momentum that Reagan had gained for conservatism.
Again, I love and respect Bush 41, as I do Bush 43, but 41 was the wrong man.
Look, for Sarah to have the greatest impact, she needs to pick a Conservative just as committed to our principals as she is. No making some gesture to the “big tenters.” We are at war.
This isn’t just about Sarah, or the GOP. This is about saving our nation from certain disaster, and setting it back on the righteous path. It would be a HUGE mistake to allow what will be a strong conservative push from Sarah to be left in the hands of a squish who will squander it all away.
I think we can see how Sarah left Alaska, with basically her clone in charge, policy wise, and her hand picked LT Governor, Lt General Craig Campbell as number two, and understand that she gets it.
To use some more Reagan, Pawlenty represents “pale pastels” Sarah knows we need “bold colors.”
gary4205 on October 23, 2009 at 3:27 PM
Mitt Romney
*crickets*
Terry_Dyne on October 23, 2009 at 3:30 PM
But he’s tone deaf. In politics, it’s everything.
He misread the TEA (heh) leaves, and now Hoff-Dawg is the alternative conservatives were clamoring for against “better judgment” by the smartest people in the room.
hoosiermama on October 23, 2009 at 3:31 PM
(Blushes)Thanks Tim!
gary4205 on October 23, 2009 at 3:33 PM
Na,na,na,na Na,NA,NA,NA HEY HEEYYA GOODBYE!!!
Bill C on October 23, 2009 at 3:38 PM
I have been listening to some speeches by Newt, and I respect what he says, and especially what he did during the 90′s, when he reigned in the Clintons (which was so good for the economy, that Clinton actually got himself re-elected).
I like Newt, but I understand there are a few points against him. Would someone mind making a brief case against Newt?
Johnny 100 Pesos on October 23, 2009 at 3:42 PM
T-Paw (god) in his comment he made ove on the Corner at NRO said that he didn’t even know that much about the race (NY23) if anything at all about it.
Makes you wonder how aware of things this guy is.
Scoreboard44 on October 23, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Pawlenty leadership, it ain’t.
OhioCoastie on October 23, 2009 at 3:46 PM
I think folks here already voiced those points.
hawkdriver on October 23, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Newt was doing his secretary the entire time he was leading the charge against Clinton for the same thing.
He and Henry Hyde led the impeachment charges, Hyde admitted he hadn’t done his secretary since his youthful middle aged years.
In the Senate, Vitter was demanding Clinton be impeached.
Just some of the reasons dems hate repubs and rightfully call them hypocrites.
lonestar1 on October 23, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Because we know what a felony is and won’t take bribes to look the other way?
Chris_Balsz on October 23, 2009 at 3:53 PM
Palin/Thompson 2012.
Forbes — Federal Reserve Chair
Romney — Treasury Secretary
Huckabee – Fox Weekend Show Host
Guiliani – Attorney General
lonestar1 on October 23, 2009 at 3:54 PM
lol, Huck fan huh?
hawkdriver on October 23, 2009 at 3:57 PM
No Chris, because they were doing the same thing privately and publicly condemning.
BTW – I am a former Democrat, now quite conservative.
lonestar1 on October 23, 2009 at 3:57 PM
Don’t like religion shoved in my face and don’t like murdering rapists being pardoned and raising your kids to torture dogs.
lonestar1 on October 23, 2009 at 3:59 PM
My dream ticket.
Bill C on October 23, 2009 at 4:00 PM
+1
mankai on October 23, 2009 at 4:01 PM
I’d love to see Sarah endorse Rubio, but not sure she will do it. In my fantasy, if she did and if Rubio won, it would turn the RNC upside down and crashing on its head.
DrStock on October 23, 2009 at 4:03 PM
I lived in Atlanta when Mr Family Values was railing against Clinton. He was a hypcrite then but I let it go for the greater good. He DID some great things in the past but I can’t think of much he’s done in the last decade that’s serving anything other than Newt himself.
Other than trying to build his own legacy off Reagan, sitting on the couch with Pelosi to
blow Al Goreplug global warming, speechifying with Al Sharpton and Arne Duncan for public education (what happened to dismantling the Dept of Education?), throwing conservatives under the bus when convenient, I guess he’s been just peachy.Monica on October 23, 2009 at 4:04 PM
I don’t care what lil’ letter they have by there name … R or I … no more corruptocrats, big spenders, or nanny staters.
bitsy on October 23, 2009 at 4:05 PM
So, after we get that admittedly dream administration…
Huck does keep his show on Fox? :-)
hawkdriver on October 23, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Beautiful!
HornetSting on October 23, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I went to read it and could not get past the first paragraph. Those images of him (Newt) and Nancy on the couch together just will not leave my mind…He lost me then and over and over again. It is not 1994. This Carp today is some serious SH*T. Move on Newt.
And I read and unsubstantiated tweet today that Boehner is in the same camp…really saddened me. (I know he is the PARTY guy but do the right thing FIRST!)
Buckeye Babe on October 23, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Actually, this may be the perfect role for Palin. She can endorse alternative conservative candidates, and instantly get them recognition that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford.
That’d be a great counterweight to the GOP’s continued STUPID policies of taking sides in primaries and supporting RINOs
hawksruleva on October 23, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Buckeye. guess I should have been more clear–dont read the article–read the comments–they are telling of everyone’s displeasure with him.
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Great on Huckabee… but you gotta get Romney out of there… unless you want to make him Ambassador to Utah.
Walter Williams – Sec. of the Treasury
Ward Connerly – Sec. of Education
Harry C. Alford – Sec. of Commerce
Watching the Libs in the Senate during the conformation hearings would be priceless.
mankai on October 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM
Mr. Thompson? Or Jeri? I’d prefer the latter – or a Liz Cheney/Palin ticket.
hawksruleva on October 23, 2009 at 4:12 PM
hoffman is going to be on hannity right now
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 4:13 PM
I would be forever grateful if Walter Williams would accept that nomination.
How about Roy Spencer for Secretary of Energy or the EPA post?
hawksruleva on October 23, 2009 at 4:14 PM
well this goes to show what happens when I don’t drink–I thought I heard that Hoffman was gong to be on hannity….sigh, sorry.
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 4:16 PM
Vannity: So, Doug, where in the city do you live?
Doug: Well, Sean, I don’t live in NYC.
Vannity: Geraldine Ferraro said, and I quote, “Doug Hoffman is running in NY.” You’ve got me confused?
Doug: She’s right, Sean, I am running for the seat in the 23rd District.
Vannity: Is that near the fashion District here in Manhattan? Or you running in the burroughs.
Doug: Well, um… no I-
Vannity: Did you vote for the 88 Billion before you voted against it? Walter Mondale said in 1984, and I quote, “I like a good deli sandwich when I come to New York.” Now he was talking about Manhattan. Where are on that issue? May I quote you?
mankai on October 23, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Most of this anger directed at Scozzafava should be directed at the idiots who picked her. THEY are the ones who should be hounded from office.
Speedwagon82 on October 23, 2009 at 4:20 PM
“Me too!”
Trochilus on October 23, 2009 at 4:20 PM
Huckabee was just on Neil Cavuto and agreed that Hoffman represented more conservative and Republicans values than the Republican pick, but he’s not getting his PAC involved and won’t endorse anyone.
Enoxo on October 23, 2009 at 4:21 PM
His PAC is kinda empty anyway.
the_nile on October 23, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Agreed.
beachgirlusa on October 23, 2009 at 4:28 PM
AllahPundit – Enemies List Czar
faraway on October 23, 2009 at 4:29 PM
We shall address the infection once the obvious wound has been dealt with.
thomasaur on October 23, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Hoffman IS on HANNITY right now for real!
lovingmyUSA on October 23, 2009 at 4:44 PM
the_nile on October 23, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Huck:
“I’ll give him both dollars that were donated this week….”
/sarc
cs89 on October 23, 2009 at 4:47 PM
FYI, his new name as of today: A-Pun.
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 4:48 PM
Pawlenty: A soft fuschia.
Palin: RED, WHITE and BLUE.
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Dont’ forget:
Press Secretary: Glenn Beck
In that Dream Adminstration. Talk about lefty heads exploding!
JamesLee on October 23, 2009 at 4:54 PM
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 4:48 PM
BTW, where is he?
In bed with H1N1? Bad case of the “Scozzafava’s getting her butt kicked” blues?
What up?
cs89 on October 23, 2009 at 4:54 PM
Hmmm, A-Pun hasn’t tweeted in 16 hours or so.
Coincidence?
cs89 on October 23, 2009 at 4:55 PM
There are no new Levi Johnston stories breaking today. Give Allah time.
victor82 on October 23, 2009 at 5:00 PM
Several times today posters on here have stated that they were going to follow Sarah’s lead and give $$ to Hoffman. I am certain Sarah would appreciate a little $$ too.
Guest1.1 on October 23, 2009 at 5:01 PM
-
Good choice of word… Puts a tinge of One-liness on the anointed rinos of the world.
-
Subtle power!
-
RalphyBoy on October 23, 2009 at 5:02 PM
Sorry, Ed. Even the oh-so-hip new nickname “T-Paw” can’t change Pawlenty’s inherent dorkiness. If he wants to be successful, he’ll just have to own it.
notropis on October 23, 2009 at 5:03 PM
Gov. Pawlenty’s help is welcome.
ddrintn on October 23, 2009 at 5:03 PM
His first post today may be the Don Young bribery story, with “didn’t Palin say x,y,z positive about Young at __ Alaskan function? How will this hurt her?” kind of questions.
Or, he may be watching “Jon and Kate” reruns, who knows.
cs89 on October 23, 2009 at 5:04 PM
“Consider” away, Pawlenty. You missed the boat.
rrpjr on October 23, 2009 at 5:06 PM
Or maybe he’ll break it that Rush apparently got pwned on the “Obama Senior Thesis” story, showing how easy it is to fall for made-up stuff on the internet.
(I couldn’t listen to the whole Rush show. Did he correct this error, or not?)
notropis on October 23, 2009 at 5:08 PM
A-Pun, distraught, crawled into a UFO-looking helium balloon that’s now skimming the Hudson.
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Maybe he’s en route to Vegas to find Meggie Mac to try and take advantafe of her ‘impulsive nature’.
Monica on October 23, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Well at least he HAS a position and can state it without bloviating, even if it’s not one I like, I can understand it.
Pawlenty has no position at all, but wants to be seen as having one in case he needs it. Pathetic.
Ozwitch on October 23, 2009 at 5:20 PM
Well, I’m sure some guys will be gettin’ lucky this weekend.
TXUS on October 23, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I see on her Twitter page she’s jumped on the “No H8″ bandwagon *eye roll*
beachgirlusa on October 23, 2009 at 5:47 PM
The RINO ship of fools and it,s captain Newt are sinking fast and the rats are jumping ship.
thmcbb on October 23, 2009 at 6:14 PM
There is no question in my mind and hasn’t been since I heard her speak at the convention.
Onager on October 23, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Newt is one of the most articulate poloiticians I have ever heard speak. He doesn’t hem or haw in his speech, and that is definitely an asset. Having said this he is a megalomaniac of the first order, believing that his support of an Obama “lite” will part the seas and let the RINOS through. On the other issue as to who could be in Sarah’s administration, I choose Mark Levin for Attorney General. I know this post is about Pawlenty, but since all kinds of stuff is being discussed this is my contribution.
Big Nicholas on October 23, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Who cares who he endorses. This guy is SUCH A LOSER!
Jayrae on October 23, 2009 at 8:19 PM
Don’t forget the AK AG Sullivan. Another hand picked selection or I should say he “just happen to” fall into apply for the job. A former State Dept Ass. Sec of State for International Enrgy Policy under Condi.
Clyde5445 on October 23, 2009 at 8:20 PM
Looks liek Owens has quietly raised a decent amount of money himself. Time to ignore Scuzzy and start attacking Owens. By doing this you raise his negatives and look like the top contender in the race. Let Scuzzy choke on her own ineptitude, target Owens for now on. We can actually win this.
Daemonocracy on October 23, 2009 at 9:36 PM
The problem for Pawlenty is that this is nothing but a political move for him, whereas it does not appear like a political move by Palin who is merely doing what she told us she would do.
It is becoming apparent that many Republicans simply don’t like people who always have their finger in the wind like T-Paw, Mitt, and Huck.
I can’t see how any of those three win the GOP nomination in 2012.
Sapwolf on October 23, 2009 at 11:28 PM
McCain frequently declares himself a conservative as well.
When you have to repeatedly tell people that you’re a conservative, it’s a good bet that you really aren’t all that conservative.
RJL on October 23, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Right on!
I saw Jindal on Hannity’s show earlier. He is just too wonky at this time. Maybe he’ll improve, but he just doesn’t seem like a leader. He needs to man up and go to the Augustus McCrain school of finishing for men.
Sapwolf on October 23, 2009 at 11:38 PM
I noticed that too. He’s a conservative? I thought he was a moderate Frum favorite.
Sapwolf on October 23, 2009 at 11:39 PM
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