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Adventurer

Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:52 am Post subject: Yankee Republicans on last legs |
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Yankee Republicans on last legs By MICHELLE R. SMITH, Associated Press Writer
Mon Nov 13, 7:08 AM ET
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The classic New England Republican � fiscally conservative, socially liberal � is nearly extinct following a long and quiet decline that began more then a decade ago when the GOP nationally began its move to the right.
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It is a political breed generations old.
The Democratic tidal wave in Tuesday's elections claimed several victims in seats that had long been in Republican hands. Scholars say the losses may be the death knell for the traditional "rock-ribbed" New England Republican.
Perhaps the best example is Sen. Lincoln Chafee (news, bio, voting record), whose family has represented Rhode Island in the Senate for 30 years.
[It is sad that Bush's presidency almost obliterated Republicans who fit almost in the mold of his father to some extent and are more sound when it comes to policy. The New England Republicans contributed in a measurable way to the party and were more secular.]
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061113/ap_on_el_ge/yankee_republicans
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Home can be the Pennsylvania turnpike, Indian's morning dew, high up in the hills of California, home is just another word for you - Billy Joel |
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cbclark4

Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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New England Republicans are true liberals (Except New Hampshire).
New England Democrats tend much further left in leaning.
In Vermont the Republicans are Socialist the Democrats are Communist the Independants are Marxist Zealots.
In Maine nobody really knows, but the sheep are nervous.
cbc |
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Ya-ta Boy
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994
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Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 9:18 pm Post subject: |
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The Democratic tidal wave in Tuesday's elections claimed several victims in seats that had long been in Republican hands. Scholars say the losses may be the death knell for the traditional "rock-ribbed" New England Republican.
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Another common name for that wing of the Republican Party used to be Country Club Republicans. They were an important, and for a long time, one of the dominant branches. Names like Nelson Rockefellar and Evertt Dirksen come to mind.
They began to lose their hold on the party about 25 years ago, when the religious right began to make significant inroads into party power positions. From what I've read, many of them have lost interest in being GOP party members and have switched to Independent, largely because they are socially liberal while being otherwise conservative. |
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Adventurer

Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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I think the U.S. needs four political parties, at least. Let the religious right have their own party, if they want, let those who support unions, the workers, universal health care have their own, let libertarians have a party as well. Many people in both parties would join another party if that option was viable. It would make the U.S. system more vibrant, and people would be able to relate more to the system if they actually could relate to their party more. |
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Slep
Joined: 14 Oct 2006
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Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:32 pm Post subject: |
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I guess you're advocating applying anti-trust laws to political parties... |
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On the other hand
Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue
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Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 7:36 pm Post subject: |
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Let the religious right have their own party, if they want, let those who support unions, the workers, universal health care have their own, let libertarians have a party as well. |
But congressmen are already free to vote away from party lines anyway, so libertarian Republicans can vote differently than Religious Republicans, and left-wing Democrats can vote differently from conservative Democrats. So I'm not sure if what you're proposing would make much difference, in the grand scheme of things. |
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