Jarrett: GOP Leaders 'More And More Extreme And More And More Marginalized'

[cal04]

http://tpmlivewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/11/jarret...

Senior White House Adviser Valerie Jarrett said on ABC's This Week this morning that the GOP civil war in the NY-23 special congressional election shows that the Republican Party's leadership has become "more and more extreme, and more and more marginalized."

Yesterday, moderate GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava suspended her campaign after polls showed her trailing both the Democrat and a Conservative Party candidate that many prominent Republicans had declared their support for.

"It's rather telling when the Republican Party forces out a moderate Republican," Jarrett said. "And it says, I think, a great deal about where the Republican Party leadership is right now."

I think it's becoming more and more extreme, and more and more marginalized. "And if that's the direction they want to go -- fine," Jarrett said.

(snip)
Regardless, Democrats are now trying to convince Scozzafava to back Democrat Bill Owens in the NY-23 race. "We would love to, of course, have her support," Jarrett said.

[Tempest]

1. Jarrett got her wish

Scozzafava is telling her supporters to back Owens.

The local paper, who originally endorsed Scozzafava, is now endorsing Owens as well.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

2. That's a fascinating development

And it does make the GOP look more extreme and intolerant.

[Tempest]

3. Her statement

"It's not in the cards for me to be your representative, but I strongly believe Bill is the only candidate who can build upon John McHugh's lasting legacy in the U.S. Congress," said Scozzafava in a statement released moments ago.