Newt Gingrich and RNC Chairman Michael Steele have endorsed RINO Dede Scozzafava (R-NY) for NY-23, against the tide of other prominent Republicans (e.g. Sarah Palin, Fred Thompson, Tim Pawlenty, etc.) and confounding conservatives. The main explanation from Scozzafava supporters is that they are respecting and recognizing the choice made by the local GOP leaders.
But is that true? Dan Riehl has an exclusive on NRCC’s hand in the decision:
A known, well-placed NY Republican source with no dog in this fight reached out to provide the full story behind the nomination of Dede Scozzafava in NY – 23. Unfortunately, I’m forced to contradict a previous post where I blamed it onthe local GOP, while encouraging conservatives to become more involved – as I would still do. Also, to be clear, they were well aware of Michael Patrick Leahy’s account at TCOTReport. They did not dispute it, but insisted it only contained half the story as the rest likely wasn’t known by Leahy or his Conservative Party contacts.
Unfortunately, the fingers that matter appear to point back to Washington and the NRCC. No wonder we are now reading reports of the NRCC going all in for Dede in NY – 23. Someone needs to cover their behind in something that is said to have not won many friends even including within the RNC itself. That’s likely the reason why they were so slow to give to Scozzafava in NY – 23 until well after the NRCC. In short, they were ticked-off as it appears the NRCC rigged it and blew it from start to finish. But GOP first and uber alles in DC at the end of the day.
Go read the whole post. With friends like the NRCC, conservatives need no enemies.
