The room was so crowded I had to watch on the lobby monitor. Standing next to me was a leader of a major evangelical organization. After Rick finished speaking, he turned to me and said, “We’ve been supporting Newt. But it looks like Santorum is becoming the non-Romney.”
Or as Rick would prefer it, the conservative alternative to Barack Obama.
If Santorum would keep the "Angry Ricky" away, and also have a change of heart AND rhetoric on the size and scope of the Federal government. I think he could win.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAgreed. I shied away from Santorum when he spent so much energy in early debates antagonizing other candidates, but the former senator's character, record and platform are strong enough to warrant reconsideration.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAre you clear he didn't say "the non-Mormon", which is what he surely meant.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseGoosebumps! Not really. This is so lame. I love these people who say they are "very conservative" and "evangelical."
They loved Bachmann then Perry then Cain then Newt and now Santorum. I love the principle they have and the things they stand for. With the conviction they show in backing their candidates it is hard to not want to follow their amazing leadership.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseOr as everyone with a clue can see, he is the non-Mormon.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHas to be, since Romney is otherwise perfect.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseIMHO, Evangelicals never should have supported Newt. Tolerated, maybe.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseThat is a remarkable anecdote. "A leader of a major evangelical organization" was supporting an ethically challenged, serial adulterer because he was the not-Romney.
I'll be glad if Santorum, rather than Gingrich, is the not-Romney. At least Santorum is a decent man.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseMy response precisely, MSP. Except that I actually know some deeply devout evangelicals with extremely high personal standards, who walk the walk in every possible way and who have been considering Gingrich. Seems they buy his conversion and think "forgiveness" entails erasure of consequences. I said they were devout, not discerning or wise.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAmen Brother Hardcastle... I'm glad to welcome back the Prodigal Newt and might even kill a fatted calf or three.
But I'm not about to hand him the keys to the country.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseAs others have stated, that person really meant Santorum is the new non-Mormon.
Let's face it folks, the "non-Romney" meme that has been stoked over and over by many in the Republican Party and conservative pundits really is steeped in religious bigotry.
This post just confirms it.
I tell you I would not be surprised if there is a surpressed vote from the millions of Mormons in the Repubican Party come general election time if Mitt isn't the nominee.
I would not blame them one bit. This "non-Romney" stuff from evangelicals is utterly disgusting. They should be ashamed for their words. I can't stand that these folks have power in the Republican Party.
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