GOP candidates in Va., NJ wary of Palin

[BlueJessamine]

Source: Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Sarah Palin's decision to step down as Alaska governor was driven in part by her wish to help Republican candidates across the country, associates say.

But in New Jersey and Virginia, both of which have competitive governors' races this year, the prospect of a visit from the party's 2008 vice presidential nominee has so far drawn a muted response from the GOP contenders in both states.

In Virginia, a historically conservative state where Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate since 1964 to win, Republican Bob McDonnell said Tuesday his campaign had had conversations with the Palin camp but stopped short of saying whether he wanted her help.

In an interview with ABCNews.com, McDonnell called Palin a "good spokesman" and said he would welcome anyone who wanted to come to Virginia on his behalf. McDonnell, a former state attorney general, is in a tight race with Democrat Creigh Deeds to succeed outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine, a moderate who now chairs the Democratic National Committee.



Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hQfmxOt-sEpGdVrmohlBYg28yJuQD99A4H1G0

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snip

McDonnell professed confusion about Palin's abrupt decision to leave office with 18 months left in her term:

"I don't know how this recent announcement — which I still don't fully understand, I only know what I've read in the media — how that fully plays out and whether she's going to prefer a private life or whether she still wants to stay actively involved," McDonnell said.

snip

A Public Policy Polling survey of Virginia voters taken in October found that by a margin of 44 to 36 percentage points, Palin's selection as vice president made independents less likely to vote for the Republican ticket.

[TokenQueer]

1. McDonnell is a Pat Robertson disciple.

It would not surprise me to see Palin make appearances in the state for this dirt bag. Well, the sections of the state that are part of "real" America, anyway. Sorry Fairfax.

The gubernatorial race in VA this year sets the stage for a rematch between Deeds and McDonnell. McDonnell beat Deeds in a race for Attorney General by a mere 300+ votes. Deeds' conservative leanings barely leave a patch of daylight between them.

In addition, we have some issues with newly elected junior Senator Mark Warner (D) here in the Commonwealth. According to boldprogressives.org, Warner has received over $825,000 from the health care industry. Guess which side of the health care debate is falls on. That's right, Warner opposes single-payer AND the public option in it's current form.

:argh:

[No Elephants]

2. The mistrust may be more widespread. I was surprised by how many Republican

"pundits" and politicians said that her resignation is not going to do her any favors if she runs for office herself. I thought more would defend her decision. Of course, some did follow her lead with the victim card.

[Alcibiades]

3. Support all Republicans, all the time, no matter what

is their usual policy. The fact that so many have ditched Palin now shows they finally realize what most of us knew all along: she's a flake.

[tabbycat31]

4. come to NJ Sarah

Jon Corzine would thank you :-)

[Cha]

5. "A good spokesperson" if you need lies and

inciting hate..she's your blabbermouth.

Too bad about the republicons and not being able to ever tell the truth or state facts.

[Nothing Without Hope]

6. The insane extent of that woman's egoism is truly awe-inspiring. n/t