VP Romney? Social Conservatives Say No

By Jennifer Riley|Christian Post Reporter

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More than 20 leading social conservatives signed an open letter to presumptive Republican nominee John McCain expressing their opposition to the idea of having Mitt Romney as vice president on the Republican ballot.

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(Photo: AP Images / Mary Altaffer)
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., left, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, arrive for a joint news conference in Denver, Thursday, March 27, 2008.

The so-called “M&M” ticket is being pushed by top Republican strategist Karl Rove, conservative news host Sean Hannity and others in the economic wing of the GOP. But opponents warned that having Romney – the former Massachusetts governor who was pro-choice and pro-gay rights – on the party’s ticket could keep value voters at home this fall.

"If Governor Romney is on your ticket, many social conservative voters will consider their values repudiated by the Republican Party and will either stay away from the polls this November or only vote down ticket,” warned signers of the letter which will appear in full page ads running in cities which McCain is campaigning in, beginning this past Saturday in Prescott, Ariz.

“For the sake of your election, the health of your party, and the future of America you must not allow the obvious electoral consequences of that to occur," concluded the text of the ad addressed to McCain.

Among the signers is Paul Weyrich, a prominent social conservative and head of the Free Congress Foundation, who had previously supported Romney but now is said to “publicly regret it.”

Other signers include Matt Barber of Concerned Women for America, Michael W. Calsetta of Conservative Democratic Alliance, Janet Folger of Faith2Action, Peter LaBarbera of Republicans for Family Values, and Stephen Strang of Strang Communications.

The letter comes at the heels of McCain’s announcement this past week that he has turned over a list of about 20 names to a group that will lead his vice presidential search team.

On the Don Imus radio program Wednesday, McCain, 71, quipped that his choice of vice president would be especially crucial because of his age, according to Agence France-Presse. McCain if elected would be the oldest first-term U.S. president.

The Arizona senator noted that he would like to have his vice president set before the Republican convention in St. Paul, Minnesota, in early September when his party is expected to officially nominate McCain as the party’s choice to face either Democrat Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.

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1man »

Fri Apr 11, 2008 8:19 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

yes I am from Oklahoma, concerning J.C. Watts I think that the dems. would pick him apart over some indescretions that occurred over a parking ticket, he's not like teflon (Obama) I think he would have a bull's eye on him as a pawn of conservatives to win the black vote..though I believe he would also be a very good choice.
Strudelcookies »

Thu Apr 10, 2008 4:47 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 1

Let's hope a really good VP is chosen...and then McCain kills over of old age.

D'oh! Did I say that with my out loud voice?

It's going to be a lonely election year.
esurveyguy »

Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:36 am Agree: 2 Disagree: 1

From what I can tell, these religious leaders are distorting Romney's record simply because they do not want a Mormon to be president. Now they are trying to bully McCain into not choosinng him.
esurveyguy »

Wed Apr 09, 2008 5:32 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

I find it strange that these religious leaders who are supposed to be good examples of morality would endorse someone who Judicial watch listed as one of the 10 most corrupt politicians.

http://www.judicialwatch.org/judicial-watch-announces-list-washington-s-ten-most-wanted-corrupt-politicians-2007
GMG »

Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:45 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Topekan

J.C. Watts would indeed be an excellent choice, but when he left office he said he would stay out. We lost a very good man there.
SummaTheologica »

Tue Apr 08, 2008 2:09 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 1

Its funny all of you Huckaidiots think he is a fiscal conservative..... Not at all, just a preacher trying to fool christians into voting for him. He is no fiscal conservative, his record proves it. As far as Mitt being a social conservative, he is, he never put any legislation or any vote into effect where he was against abortion. He is a true social conservative as well as fiscal and I bet the majority of people in the U.S. see that and aren't disolutioned like the minority that try to smear him because he is Mormon.
Topekan »

Tue Apr 08, 2008 1:08 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 2

I'm all for putting an Okie in the veep slot, but I think former Congressman J.C. Watts would be a better choice than the admittedly excellent choice of Senator Coburn. Of course, Mr. Watts has stated over and over that is really is not interested and would not accept.
DaleToons »

Tue Apr 08, 2008 9:57 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

http://onlyhuckabee.com/

"Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever." - Thomas Jefferson

If abortion (at least for experimentation) is acceptable to you, if you like the tax system as it is, if porous borders don't bother you, then you have a good choice. However, if these things are not acceptable, we must vote our consciences for president.

I've been working with http://onlyhuckabee.com/ to promote the first successful presidential write-in campaign in history. The media (left and right) and party elites have picked our candidates. Since the Web is still a free medium, out of their control, I don't think it unrealistic to make an attempt. If we can join forces soon enough, we have a shot. Please check it out.
GMG »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:08 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

1man

Are you from Oklahoma? I think Tom Coburn would be an excellent choice for consideration, but I'm not sure enough people know him.
1man »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 8:46 pm Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

Tom Coburn for v.p.?
ForHim »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 5:10 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0

While they don't speak for me, I share their point of view. There is no way I could support such a ticket. And I do not think that John would be willing to hear me, but he will hear them!!!!!
blue1018 »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:25 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 4

"If Governor Romney is on your ticket, many social conservative voters will consider their values repudiated by the Republican Party and will either stay away from the polls this November or only vote down ticket"
-how can they speak for millions of social conservatives.. do these 20 men and women seriously think that they are oh so special enough to have it their way or no way.
DannyPoo »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 3:17 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 1

If McCain were considering a VP from the candidates who were running for President. There are only 3 choices I would vote for, McCain-Huckabee, McCain-Thompson, and McCain-Hunter.

To be honest though, I hope McCain chooses someone outside the field of those who were candidates for President. Someone is both a Social and Fiscal conservative. McCain needs someone who is both, because he is not "strongly" social or fiscally conservative.

I personlly think Mitt would be a poor choice, I need someone with a Social conservative record, not just statements. Give Mitt another 4 years in another elected or appointed position where he makes socially conservative choices that are on record. Then i'll consider him in 2012.
SummaTheologica »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 2:46 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 5

An M&M ticket will win the White House!!! This is what all real conservatives dream of in wake of such a poor nominee in McCain.
beacharma »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:50 pm Agree: 8 Disagree: 2

It continues to amaze me that so many "christians" have such a strong distaste for religions other than their own. I don't remember Christ saying "hate your enemy". I do remember him saying that we should "love our enemies". The hatred and spite felt in some of the comments listed on this page (especially those directed towards Mitt Romney) reflect the direct conflict that so called "christians" have with following Christ. It is one thing to know the bible, it is quite another to know the author. I suggest you educate yourself about the "mormon cult" from a source that is mormon. It is not Mitt's religion that bothers me but where he stands on the issues. As far as I can tell, his views on key issues have become more "conservative" and not liberal. A vote for a 3rd party is an easy way to pass the buck and let someone else decide for you. Those people remind me of the public that watched Christ carry his own cross without lifting a hand or standing up for what is right. A vote for huckabee is a vote wasted on what may turn out to be the most crucial presidential race ever. We Republicans cannot give the Dems an inch even when we have to sacrifice a little within our own party. It is much easier to convince a Republican President on our republican views than a democratic president.
chk555 »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 7:39 am Agree: 3 Disagree: 7

I am not loyal to any party. When I vote, I vote Christian, that is, I'll vote for the candidate, ticket, issue or party that best reflects Biblical values. The first president I voted for was Jimmy Carter, and I did so because he claimed to be "Born Again". However, history has shown that I was utterly betrayed by that Judas. Since then, I voted for Reagan (best vote I ever cast), and both Bushes.
Now I am faced with this situation. The candidates are not even pretending to be Christian! What a choice, a Marxist/Muslim ticket, or a Marxist/Mormon one. I will not vote for ticket that that consists of a cult member. I can't vote for a person who is opposed to the right of life to the unborn, and who opposes preserving the Biblical definition of marriage. So who do I vote for? I really don't have a choice.
I will not donate to a party who cannot present a candidate that for whom I in good conscience cannot vote. There is NO Christian choice this election.
It looks like we are destined to be ruled by godless Marxists, and with a possible eight years in power, these antichrists may dissolve all our constitutional rights... even to a re-election.
The Democrats put all conservative Christians out of their party decades ago, now the Republicans are doing the same thing. Looks like I'll be voting "none of the above" this election year.
ProfessorX »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:44 am Agree: 12 Disagree: 4

MITT "THE FLIP FLOPPER" ROMNEY SINKS REPUBLICAN PARTY IF SELECTED AS JOHN MCCAIN'S VICE-PRESIDENT!

How is it that hypocritical Republicans were delighted to point out in John Kerry's flip-flopping and then embrace Mitt Romney? Honestly, the man's position changes with the winds. He's for and against abortion. He's for and against raising taxes. He's for and against an expanding government health system. He never had a consistent position, but all he has to do is say his claim that he is a Reagan conservative and half the party mindlessly follows him.

I have always liked and admired John McCain and even fought through the cold and ice to get him on the ballot in New York when he ran against George Bush. The republican establishment used lawyers to try to block all signatures that we suffered to get. But they finally were received and McCain got on the ballot. I was upset that he did not win the nomination then.

Talk show hosts unfairly scathed at McCain because they were secretly being paid to talk in defend MASONIC connected corporate interests to the detriment of the American people. But the real conservatives throughout this Bush Administration became disenfranchised by much more than just the border issue. Now that he has won the nomination that SAME republican establishment is trying to whimper back by seeking to cherry picking his VP as Mitt Romney (the flip-Flopper and an absolute contradiction to his straight talk express.)

As a Conservative, if Mitt Romney is selected as John McCain’s running mate, I must by conviction join with millions of other conservatives who will either do a write-in for Mike Huckabee or who will vote third party. Unfortunately many may not vote this year. As you have been for many years in the Republican Party misunderstood and pre-judged, so have the many among the conservatives after seeing what the establishment did to Mike Huckabee. Karl Rove and Rush Limbaugh never had McCain's back and as he showed them, McCain never needed them to win the nomination (especially as Rush Limbaugh joined Ann Coulter's rant in telling ill-informed republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton in Texas and Ohio.) Clearly these so-called "republicans" are in sync with Flip-Flopping as Mitt Romney has. No wonder they liked him so much.

Therefore I humbly ask that the, Honorable John McCain, please not select Mitt Romney as his Vice-President. Romney's arrogance and manipulative practices will only create a public backlash against the Republican Party for the next 30 years. The Republican Establishment has proven to be disconnected from the young voter. Mike Huckabee is not only one of the greatest communicators to hit the Republican Party, but he is a wise problem solver and he joins John McCain as among the only presidential nominees that attracted the younger voters of America. We are, after all, the future.

http://evolutionfacts.blogtownhall.com/
ProfessorX »

Mon Apr 07, 2008 6:27 am Agree: 14 Disagree: 7

MITT "THE FLIP FLOPPER" ROMNEY SINKS REPUBLICAN PARTY IF SELECTED AS JOHN MCCAIN'S VICE-PRESIDENT!

How is it that hypocritical Republicans were delighted to point out in John Kerry's flip-flopping and then embrace Mitt Romney? Honestly, the man's position changes with the winds. He's for and against abortion. He's for and against raising taxes. He's for and against an expanding government health system. He never had a consistent position, but all he has to do is say his claim that he is a Reagan conservative and half the party mindlessly follows him.

I have always liked and admired John McCain and even fought through the cold and ice to get him on the ballot in New York when you ran against George Bush. The republican establishment used lawyers to try to block all signatures that we suffered to get. But they finally were received and McCain got on the ballot. I was upset that he did not win the nomination then.

Talk show hosts unfairly scathed at McCain because they were secretly being paid to talk in defend MASONIC connected corporate interests to the detriment of the American people. But the real conservatives throughout this Bush Administration became disenfranchised by much more than just the border issue. Now that he has won the nomination that SAME republican establishment is trying to whimper back by seeking to cherry picking his VP as Mitt Romney (the flip-Flopper and an absolute contradiction to his straight talk express.)

As a Conservative, if Mitt Romney is selected as John McCain’s running mate, I must by conviction join with millions of other conservatives who will either do a write-in for Mike Huckabee or who will vote third party. Unfortunately many may not vote this year. As you have been for many years in the Republican Party misunderstood and pre-judged, so have the many among the conservatives after seeing what the establishment did to Mike Huckabee. Karl Rove and Rush Limbaugh never had McCain's back and as he showed them, McCain never needed them to win the nomination (especially as Rush Limbaugh joined Ann Coulter's rant in telling ill-informed republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton in Texas and Ohio.) Clearly these so-called "republicans" are in sync with Flip-Flopping as Mitt Romney has. No wonder they liked him so much.

Therefore I humbly ask that the, Honorable John McCain, please not select Mitt Romney as his Vice-President. Romney's arrogance and manipulative practices will only create a public backlash against the Republican Party for the next 30 years. The Republican Establishment has proven to be disconnected from the young voter. Mike Huckabee is not only one of the greatest communicators to hit the Republican Party, but he is a wise problem solver and he joins John McCain as among the only presidential nominees that attracted the younger voters of America. We are, after all, the future.

http://evolutionfacts.blogtownhall.com/
Is 4031 »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:21 pm Agree: 7 Disagree: 3

Dear Lord God, bring us a just man. One raised up by You, for Your glory. Lord God, in Jesus name, please Bless the U.S., while we will Bless You. Please forgive us our continued sins. Show us the way to repentance. In Love,amen
Tomas »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 11:16 pm Agree: 5 Disagree: 1

Paul Weyrich appears to be more of a flip-flopper than Mitt got accused of being.

Mitt Romney would be fantastic, and could bring my vote back to the GOP. I'm all for the M&M ticket.
DannyPoo »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:51 pm Agree: 1 Disagree: 0

The most ironic thing about this is, that I can just see the dems re-airing Romney's attack ads against McCain, if Romney became VP.

It would look pretty bad.
gaddio »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 7:09 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 1

A petition has been created in support of Mitt Romney as the best choice for vice-president. The URL is:

www.yesmittvp.com

This petition was created in response to a widely publicized online petition against Mitt Romney/ Incidentally, until a few hours ago, the majority of the comments on the "nomittvp" site were IN FAVOR of Romney! Consequently, the group in charge of the anti-Romney petition stopped displaying all comments (only signatures now) and posted an advisory saying:

"This is not a blog site. This is a petition AGAINST Mitt Romney being on the GOP ticket with John McCain. Because of some vulgar comments made by Romney supporters toward individuals, the decision was made to remove ALL comments by Romney supporters. If you support Romney you should not be signing a petition against him in order to make pro--Romney statements. That is flat out dishonest."

Dishonest to voice your opinion?

Just remember that most of the signatures on the anti-Romney petition are IN FAVOR of Romney.
Debra »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 6:51 pm Agree: 8 Disagree: 5

Romney tried to "buy" the presidency with attack ads against the character and record of his opponents to sway voters, sent expensive office chairs to conservative religious leaders, hoping to "buy" their support during the primaries--it is about TIME that someone stood up to him and his money and his Clear Channel Communications Media cronies like Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh, and other GOP establishment leaders who DO NOT represent the REAL value voters of this country!
averagejoe »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:27 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 12

Never heard of any of these "conservative groups". Sounds like a publicity stunt. Romney's fine, Huckabee's not.
seedplanter »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 4:16 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 2

“M&M” ticket - BAD NEWS!!!
KYJurisDoctor »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:53 pm Agree: 4 Disagree: 1

If McCain picks Mitt "I'll flip flop on any issue" Romney, as fas as I, and many like me are concerned, he's on his own!

http://OsiSpeaks.com
Houston »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:15 pm Agree: 3 Disagree: 4

I like your article It is objective, unlike others that are anti-Romney. I am a social conservative and have been for many years. The Republican Party has my choice since Ronald Reagan. The 20 persons who signed the open letter do not speak for me nor for 6 members of my family . IWe definitely will vote in the general election for a McCain-Romney ticket. It will be a winning ticket. A McCain-Romney ticket will unite the GOP. Take care. Thank you. YESMittVP & McCain-Mitt 2008
DannyPoo »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 3:08 pm Agree: 7 Disagree: 1

I would not vote for a McCain-Romney ticket(at least as of writing this), because of his history in Massachusetts. I would possibly vote for McCain though,but he needs to choose a more social conservative running mate.
wrhalver »

Sun Apr 06, 2008 10:42 am Agree: 0 Disagree: 0

It looks like McCain wants the public to have that serious Presidential image in their heads.

This is a far cry from the image the public is getting from the Democratic side.

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