I have to wonder if Mrs. Palin Still feels an obligation to John McCain, and if it’s going to be a problem for her conservative supporters in the future. NRO’s "The Corner" grabbed a message of Sarah’s facebook page in which she endorses Carly Fiorina for the California Republican Primary to challenge Senator Barbara Boxer. Carly has a great story. She’s educated, hard working, a glass ceiling breaker, and hey–she’s a woman. She has been an early favorite but despite ample experience in other areas she is politically untested. That’s not a disqualifier by any means but it has made it difficult for some conservatives to step up and back her given other factors including her role as an advosir to John "reach across the aisle" McCain. The other reason is named Chuck DeVore.
Chuck DeVore is a long time Republican known for going up against the liberal establishment and the moderate republican governors they keep on a very short leash in California. Human Events endorsed DeVore in their May 3rd issue. Red State and Erik Erickson have also picked DeVore as the conservative Republican of choice in the race. That’s rock solid for the right wingers. So where does that leave Palin and her endorsement of Fiorina?
Is maverick the right word?
Fiorina fits the Palin mold. Hard working woman. Survived adverse circumstances. Demonstrates a desire to support basic conservative issues. And She has the correct set of genitalia to compete against Boxer which is still important for some reason. And they share a connection and a respect for Senator McCain.
I admit to being stuck on that last bit. The only thing that annoys me more about McCain’s race than how we got stuck with McCain was how it was run. And while I currently think Carly Fiorina would be a good replacement for Boxer, and that she can beat her, De Vore has done his time in the trenches. He’s worked hard for the conservative brand despite being from a liberal state. And here in New Hampshire we like to see candidates who earn their wings. That’s not necessarily what we end up with, but that’s politics. And it’s not a problem limited to the Granite State.
So is Palin’s endorsement of Fiorina another favor to John McCain? I’m not sure yet. Palin has done a good job of backing herself up with other endorsements from conservative groups. To quote Palin directly..
Carly has been endorsed by the National Right to Life, the California Pro-Life Council, and the Susan B. Anthony List. She is pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, pro-military, and pro-strict border security and against amnesty. She is against Obamacare and will vote to repeal it and prevent the government takeover of private companies and industries. Carly is also a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Like me, she is a member of the NRA, has a 100% NRA rating, and she and her husband are gun owners. She is pro-energy development and believes as I do in an all-of-the-above approach to energy independence. She is against cap and tax. And most importantly, Carly is the only conservative in the race who can beat Barbara Boxer. That’s no RINO. That’s a winner.
Given the choices and on balance I think the McCain element mattered. While it seems to be a safe choice either way at this time, I’d like to be able to think that the McCain part of the formula is waning. Time will tell.
Cross Posted from NH Insider
