Pawlenty ‘Concerned’ About NY GOP Candidate; Plans Endorsement Soon
EmailABC News’ Rick Klein reports: With the Republican Party splintering over a House race in upstate New York, Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on ABCNews.com's "Top Line" today that he has significant concerns about the Republican candidate's positions on key issues, as well as the process by which she was chosen as the GOP nominee.
In New York State's 23rd congressional district, Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava is facing a challenge on her right from Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman — who nabbed the endorsement of former Gov. Sarah Palin, R-Alaska, yesterday. 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." His comments underscore the extent to which the race between Scozzafava, Hoffman, and Democrat Bill Owens is coming to define the direction of the Republican Party. Scozzafava was chosen by local county chairmen to be the GOP nominee in the Nov. 3 special election, and the Republican National Committee and other national party entities are supporting her. But her support for same-sex marriage and abortion rights, among other issues, has rankled other Republicans, including Palin. GOP leaders including former House Speaker Newt Gingrich are saying they'll support Scozzafava in the interest of winning a moderate district. 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." To watch the full interview with Pawlenty, click HERE.
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The right wing of the GOP, is out of step with America. They need to become more centrist, and stop using religion to justify everything they do. Religion and government must not mix.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | October 23, 2009, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
***The right wing of the GOP, is out of step with America. They need to become more centrist, and stop using religion to justify everything they do. Religion and government must not mix.***
Uh…what?
Nothing in that article mentions that Pawlenty is not endorsing Scozzafava automatically because of religeon.
Reason 1: “But Pawlenty said that as far as he’s concerned, having an “R” next to a candidate’s name isn’t enough.”
Reason 2: “”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.”"
Reason 3: “”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.”"
If you don’t like the stance he is taking, thats fine, it is your choice, but hiding behind the retoric of “seperation of church and state” doesn’t help your position.
Posted by: bobtherepublican | October 23, 2009, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
“coming to define the direction of the Republican Party.”
It is a small race in an off year where the Republican party has no leader. It is a given the most extreme/motivated elements are disproportionately represented. By the folks announcing senate campaigns, Republicans are putting up moderates and closing ranks behind them on the elections that matter (like the Delaware or IL Senate race).
Posted by: jhw539 | October 23, 2009, 1:51 pm 1:51 pm
Pawlenty is late to the party. Rush and Beck already have endorsed Hoffman. They are the real leaders of the conservative movement.
Posted by: doug | October 23, 2009, 2:03 pm 2:03 pm
You concentrate on your own state Tim.
Posted by: JV | October 23, 2009, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
So because the incumbent is not extreme enough they are willing to lose the seat to a Democrat? Makes sense.
Posted by: Clt | October 23, 2009, 2:21 pm 2:21 pm
Just as the Liberals pick John McCain to run as the GOP nominee for President last year, the same Liberals have picked Dede Scozzafare. This nonsense of letting Liberals pick GOP candidates has to stop; Dede Scozzafare should drop out or change her party to being a Democrat (as her views dictate).
Posted by: Peter King | October 23, 2009, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
The candidate’s positions and beliefs are what’s important – and how they will represent their constituents; not the letter designating the party affiliation.
Posted by: deanbob | October 23, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Pawlenty is a nice guy, but Palin has the nomination hopefully. She is a self-made conservative that the liberal establishment HATES. That is enough to make her have my vote.
Posted by: Dave | October 23, 2009, 2:41 pm 2:41 pm
Anyone who would consider voting for palin should have their head examined.
Posted by: Bridge to Nowhere | October 23, 2009, 2:51 pm 2:51 pm
nice interview…appreciate it.
Posted by: wow | October 23, 2009, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
Where does pawlenty get off expressing his opinion on anything?? He almost lost the last election here in Mn. Thanks to him and his “no new taxes” policy our bridges fall down here in Mn. PLEASE CROSS THEM AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!
Posted by: Mn. voter | October 23, 2009, 2:54 pm 2:54 pm
Bridge to Nowhere
You question my mental state for disagreeing with you about Palin? Wow, “open minded” liberals are about as easy to find as patriotic ones are.
Posted by: Dave | October 23, 2009, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
“Pawlenty is a nice guy, but Palin has the nomination hopefully. She is a self-made conservative that the liberal establishment HATES. That is enough to make her have my vote. ”
“cos that’s more important than silly stuff like… you know… qualifications. I guess when you want to destroy any sort of semblance government, any hack will do.
Posted by: Mike | October 23, 2009, 3:37 pm 3:37 pm
Deanbob,
I’m sorry, do you sincerely think Palin would have a chance against Obama? Seriously? I can understand how a republican can like Beck, Hannity, or Rush, but Palin? Seriously?
Posted by: WTF | October 23, 2009, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
“cos that’s more important than silly stuff like… you know… qualifications. I guess when you want to destroy any sort of semblance government, any hack will do.”
Kinda like Obama.
Posted by: Scott V. | October 23, 2009, 3:46 pm 3:46 pm
Mike
Are you joking when you say that Palin is not qualified, when you obviously just voted for a man who has never even ran a hotdog stand?
BO’s only longstanding accomplishment is that he kept one of rev racist’s pews warm for 20 years without ever really knowing what was being said on the pulpit. Riiight
Posted by: Dave | October 23, 2009, 3:56 pm 3:56 pm
Mike
BO is an anti-American marxist who is the product of chicago’s corrupt political machine. He bought a 2 million dollar mansion via a sweetheart deal with convicted felon and slumlord tony rezko- truly change we can believe in.
Palin on the other hand, rose to prominence FIGHTING corruption within her own party and outside. She sold the private jet, fired the private chef, and actually LOVES the country she lives in. BO hates it.
Posted by: Dave | October 23, 2009, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
Dave
Do you sincerely think Palin could beat Obama in a race? Seriously? I’m a democrat, so I won’t act non-partisan, and I like Palin too (for laughs only), but do you really think she can beat Obama? Come on! Seriously?
Posted by: WTF | October 23, 2009, 4:12 pm 4:12 pm
Yes, Sarah Palin has a great chance against Obama in 2012. So do other Republicans.
How many thought Barrack Obama had a “great chance” to be President in 2005, three years before the election? Conventional wisdom was that Hillary Clinton had a lock on the nomination.
As to Pawlenty, he offered some pretty weak nonsense about “not following” the race in NY yesterday, meaning he is out of touch with the base of his party. Now he’s trying to play catch up at best. My mind remains open on Pawlenty but this is an inauspicious move poorly played. Hopefully he will endorse Hoffman as partial mitigation.
Posted by: DaMav | October 23, 2009, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
Just can’t figure why those “right-wing extremists” can’t get behind an ACORN-supported, card check supporting, big government promoting, tax ‘em all to death, pro-stimulus, smokey-backroom-picked “moderate Republican” candidate.
We need more of those “moderate” folks elected to Congress by ramming them down the throats of “extremists”, with the full support of the RNC of course.
Sure thing. We need more of them like we need a hole in the head. There are Blue Dog Dems who come a lot closer to being conservative than DeDe Dumb.
Dump DeDe NOW!
Posted by: TParty4USA | October 23, 2009, 4:28 pm 4:28 pm
Let’s see who he picks. Palin already made her choice, let’s see if Pawlenty is in bed with the same faction as Palin is or not. If he is he might as well hang up his presidential aspirations now. The same pick as Palin is political suicide and until the republican party realizes this they might as well just crawl in a hole and hide.
Posted by: Chuck | October 23, 2009, 4:43 pm 4:43 pm
There is no more than a very minority acceptance of conservative views in upstate NY. That’s why the conservative has only 25% support.
Posted by: NY Guy | October 23, 2009, 4:46 pm 4:46 pm
The same idiots who say that the GOP can only win with a centrist are the same ones that gave us Bob Dole and John McCain…who lost in landslides. It’s only when the GOP runs unabashedly conservative candidates that it wins.
Posted by: Gceres | October 23, 2009, 5:00 pm 5:00 pm
Independents with common sense will vote for the best candidate; no matter what the party affiliation is. If the “legacy” parties can’t field good candidates then the people who can organize and get things done will. This whole notion of power through D and R party affiliation is soon to be turned on its head. The people are sick and tired of being betrayed and abused by those two community organizing gangs. It is the American people that organize and won’t tolerate being organized under some organization trying to shove an ideology down their throats.
Posted by: TX_MBell | October 23, 2009, 5:44 pm 5:44 pm
Dear Wow:
Weren’t those bridges built by Proud Union Labor, and the designs developed by the Minnesota Highway Department? They should last forever! Just like your new union-backed, government-provided healthcare is going to go. Don’t get old or ill.
Pawlenty IS the Governor of Minnesota. He IS a potential candidate for President. He IS a Republican of note. And lastly, he IS an American, who I believe, STILL has a right to speak on any issue he cares to tackle. You hear it only because of the foregoing qualifications.
Posted by: Jim | October 23, 2009, 6:08 pm 6:08 pm
If the GOP is out of step with America, then why would you feel you have to tell anyone that? Wouldnt it prove itself? Or are you just trying to convince yourselves? I mean, why would you attempt to help the GOP by giving them advice if you are hoping they fail? You see, we aren’t that stupid and we arent as brainwashable as you think. You’ll have to try better than that, sorry.
Posted by: shem | October 23, 2009, 6:52 pm 6:52 pm
Tim Pawlenty believes in global warming,he is not a conservative by any measure,Mr. Pawlenty is a carbon-copy of John McCain.
Now, go turn your lights off the save the whales.
Posted by: Constitutional Guy | October 23, 2009, 7:19 pm 7:19 pm
I hate to break it to you, but only 20% of people in the US identify as Republicans. I know that you get to hear yourselves a lot and you have your radio propaganda shows that get you pumped up, but, I think we should start the conversation by you just sharing with us what color the sky is in your world.
There are real issues to deal with, real problems to solve and all I see coming from the hard right are name calling, fear mongering, and ugliness. It is projection – not constructive criticism.
Where is Bill Buckley when you need him?
Posted by: Mom | October 23, 2009, 8:29 pm 8:29 pm
Yea, please let the Republican nominee be Palin… that would be great…and comical… I say bring it on!!!
This time no second fiddle position as the vp… You know because she’ll clean up Washington like she did Alaska…
Lets give Palin the pitt bull, plenty of space to go rogue…
Let’s get her campaigning for the Presidential position with Huckabee as her vp.
LOL!Good Stuff!!!
I wonder if Huckabee would even take the offer…
Posted by: theafalcon200 | October 23, 2009, 9:32 pm 9:32 pm
I know Scozzafava’s record. No doubt Pawlenty knows it, too. Knowing her record, there’s no need for lengthy considerations. So what’s he waiting for? Poll numbers? To see the extent of Hoffman’s surge? If he can’t make the right decision rather than the politically expendient one, get out of the way and make room for a real Conservative in 2012.
I’m afraid Pawlenty’s turning into (or is) just another moderate Republican in Conservative clothing. I’ve pretty much ruled him out already for 2012.
Posted by: LlightSaber | October 23, 2009, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
Who cares what this Gomer Pile thinks.He is about as RINO as they come.Same with that other fake Huckabee.A guy who released a rapist,attempted to change ethics laws to keep expensive illegal gifts,paid ethics fines for accepting illegal expensive gifts,had to return those gifts,tryed to silence a newspaper reporter,spent like a flaming lib,and taxed like one as well.Google him,search huckabee state record read what salon.com has to say.Pawlenty hes not half as bad,he did a good job in his state but let Franken waltz into the senate.
Posted by: David | October 23, 2009, 9:52 pm 9:52 pm
No more compromise…If you are not Conservative, you will not get our vote. Whether we have to tear down the Republican Party to rebuild it or if we start a new party, conservatives will no longer compromise. Doug Hoffman is the man of the hour!!
Posted by: allen | October 23, 2009, 10:56 pm 10:56 pm
The real issue is what happens if the Democrats pick up a seat due to Republican infighting. The drive to push out moderates will shrink the GOP party. How do republicans get a majority if they force their candidates further to the right? People scream much nonsense about Obama, but in 4 years none of it will come to pass. We won’t have a Marxist, Socialist state, at the worst we will still to be far right of Europe.
Posted by: Jeff | October 23, 2009, 11:51 pm 11:51 pm
Dave,
I have nothing against being open minded. I just dislike stupidity.
Posted by: Bridge to nowhere | October 24, 2009, 1:25 am 1:25 am
Pawlenty has his opinion but it’s nothing more than that. The Conservatives are taking this party back.
Liberals like McCain and Grahamnesty are the reason we have a Socialist wrecking the country right now. We’ll entertain them like clowns at a cocktail party but don’t expect us to give them the karaoke machine in crunch time.
Posted by: fireant | October 24, 2009, 1:29 am 1:29 am
Dave,
You question whether I am a patrot? I have six years in the military. How many do you have???
Posted by: Bridge to nowhere | October 24, 2009, 1:31 am 1:31 am
I can see the political ads already.
Vote for Pawlenty and and watch America collapse like his bridges.
Posted by: Bridge collapsed | October 24, 2009, 1:43 am 1:43 am
It is with these words of Gov Pawlenty that I will start paying attention to him as a possible GOP contender in 2012. I’ve given up on Newt.
Posted by: JoeCollins | October 24, 2009, 3:45 am 3:45 am
One of these days, the candidates will realize that you really should be leaning just right of DEAD CENTER to get elected.
That means being a fiscal Conservative… we know who’d money it is you’re all spending… it’s OURS!!!
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 24, 2009, 6:04 am 6:04 am
Hey, Pelosi… GOOD NEWS!! You’ll get to move back to California in just 374 more days.
Of course, you’ll be unemployed and publicly humiliated. Oh well.
B’bye sweetheart!!! You won’t be alone… Reid will certainly be standing in line at the airport that same day.
LOL!!
Posted by: Fed_up_with_BOTH_Parties | October 24, 2009, 6:09 am 6:09 am
Pawlenty wouldn’t carry his own state in a Presidential run off against Nanookie of the North.
Posted by: Timmah | October 24, 2009, 6:48 am 6:48 am
Once Obama’s numbers go below 50%, ANYBODY could beat him…
These guys are selected to advance an unpopular agenda… Then when they get too much flak, the opposite party gets to take over… the SAME agenda. (Think Obomb’a after Bush!)
So Obama will NOT be re-elected… But whoever the Republicans “select” will be on board with the SAME agenda, just package it in different rhetoric…
Anybody who has followed campaigns over the years already knows this. What’s all the shouting about…
The American people are being played like the puppets they are. Why ahould the politicans be expected to be ANY different?
Posted by: jafo | October 24, 2009, 9:49 am 9:49 am
Dave’s been watching Fox News……….pleeeze run any of those nuts…Pawlenty, Palin, Gingrich, Romney or whoever. Palin will get “staughtered” as that Turkey she stood by watching.
Posted by: sara | October 24, 2009, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
” Hypocrites” like Conservative/Republicans/Palin? Say what…..they’re confusing at best….floundering around like “injured prey”…..GW sold us down the drain, didn’t regulate Wall Street, depression happened on his watch…911 took place on his watch…created a 5 trillion dollar deficits out of a Dem. Surplus. Palin allowed a teenage boy to sleep with her daughter UNDER HER roof…and you call them What! They are the REPUBLICAN party and America (Majority) has gotten “HIP” to these cancers. Pawlenty nor Palin stands a chance…….their “hand” has been shown. CLEAR AND IN COLOR.
Posted by: sara | October 24, 2009, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Sara why did dodd and friends get such good deals on their mortgages was it so he would look the other way?? Obama is the master of this. Just look at his deals in chicago he looks the other way. You need to open your eyes and dump the party line. Do your own research you should be able to sift through the lies spread by both parties. If you still spu the same vile than you need to get a new BS detector. Both Rep&Dems have been feeding us BS for years. We now have the tools to sift through the BS. It is time you did your part and find your own answers not the spoon fed answers spred by the Washington Dems&Repubs.
time to wake up because you could be next on the menu
Posted by: nonabsolute | October 24, 2009, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
The only possible reason for Paws to be spouting off about a NY House race is for political rhetoric. He is salivating over the presidency, but lacks the political courage to actually say he’s running.
But, before you accuse me of unfairness by attacking only Paws, every candidate has the same gutless mentality. In the paraphrased words of Yoda, “Run or run not”.
Lastly, to Mikey. Neither you nor I are qualified to say who is qualified for the presidency. We are only hopeful in whom we support. The future unravels to many variables to select the best response before it comes. Hence, we ought to vote based on the principles and values held by candidates. Sadly, nobody considered that when they voted for Obama.
Posted by: Bill W | October 24, 2009, 2:11 pm 2:11 pm
if anyone is taking a moment here to attack the far right of the republican party there are two things they should consider regarding upstate newyork.
this isnt a national race. The socialist have a congressmen and he is fully backed by the liberals. up in upstate, this is a VERY conservative area. If they want a Conservative candidate they are not going to find that in either the republican nor the democrat ticket.
this conservative ticket is backed by the tea-party. the tea-party is non-partisian and most of thier supporters would not vote for either other candidaate. about 40% of these tea partiers lean left, but see Holfman as an idependant.
another point i want to make.
in NY23 we are seeing an independant break grown in a REP district, and in NJ gov we are seeing a independant break grown in a liberal state. this is HUGE news for independants, and those who consider themselves to some degree independent. IF this continues. it could weaken the two-party system.
Or after the clouds settle: we will see a series of small allignments and re-a;;ignments and de-allignments across the country and depending on how each of the parties platforms adjust to these changes we will see a new political makeup which amy be similar to the 51-49% ratio or could split dramaticly in either dirrection.
Posted by: phil | October 24, 2009, 4:10 pm 4:10 pm
First, BOTH Pawlenty and Palin should stay the hell out of New York politics. Neither understands the nuances of that particular district.
Second, both of them are symbols of what is wrong with the GOP, and why the GOP is becoming a shrinking, regional party with barely more significance than a footnote in 21st Century history: the Theocratic Right must be removed from its position as the Tail-That-Wags-The-Dog if the Republicans are to survive.
Posted by: Thom Simmons | October 24, 2009, 4:35 pm 4:35 pm
I agree with Dave! I think Sarah Palin does have a chance against Obama if she decides to run. However, I think we all are getting ahead of ourselves since neither Palin nor Obama have announced their intentions to run in 2012. I hope not because we need her and it would be a sad day if she decides to completely retire, but it’s possible that Palin might decide not to run for public office again. It is also possible that Obama might shock us all, especially you Democrats, and also decide not to run in 2012.
Posted by: JimVgirl | October 24, 2009, 4:40 pm 4:40 pm
If you guys would stop looking at her behind and cute face and actually listen to what she says you would see that she is empty headed.She is the perfect example of a blonde joke in brunette.
Posted by: FAILIN PALIN | October 24, 2009, 10:32 pm 10:32 pm
FAILIN PALIN You’ve never listened to her either! You’re another one who has never bothered to look beyond the winks and the smile and listened to what she says. If you had you’d know she’s no airhead! I admit she’s made a lot of mistakes, which I think she has learned from the hard way, and I think she needs to tone down the winks a little bit if she wants to be taken seriously, but if you’d really listen to her you’d know that behind that smile and the winks is an intelligent woman and no airhead!
Posted by: JimVgirl | October 25, 2009, 2:44 am 2:44 am
why is he concerned? he’s not gop chairman. plus, the republican party in new york is practically dead.
Posted by: dave | October 25, 2009, 1:10 pm 1:10 pm
I would love to see one of the CBS, NBC, and ABC do a serious piece on the overwhelming information, i.e. studies, about the liberal slant of the aforementioned news services. Juxtapose that against the White House and Obama’s attack on Fox News. It would be fascinating yet I know it would never be done. It may help the poor ratings the 3 get but they’ll keep up the nonsense and pretend everyone thinks their way.
Posted by: Gary | October 29, 2009, 3:41 am 3:41 am