Conservatives' anger with GOP may be party's downfall

Conservatives feel betrayed by the Republican leaders

by: jim kouri | published: 06 22, 2008

A poll of 1,015 conservative activists and donors shows that 77 percent are either seriously disappointed with Republican Congressional leaders or want them totally replaced.

The poll/survey also found that 54 percent of conservatives feel so abandoned by the current crop of Congressional leaders and President Bush that they plan to reduce their contributions and/or grassroots work for GOP candidates in the next election. And 70 percent would support a principled conservative challenger running against an established incumbent Republican in a GOP primary.

"Conservatives feel betrayed by the Republican leaders, and they want them replaced," said Richard A. Viguerie, chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, which sponsored the survey.

"Conservatives, which form the GOP's base, provided most of the volunteers and money to elect a Republican-controlled House and Senate — and wound up with bigger government as a result. Now more than half of these committed activists say they'll reduce or end their involvement in the upcoming elections — which could prove devastating for the GOP."

Asked how they feel about the Republican members of Congress, 48 percent of conservatives report being "disappointed" and an additional 32 percent think they "should be replaced."

Asked to grade the GOP-controlled Congress, 73 percent gave it a D or F on "controlling government spending;" 73 percent gave it a D or F on "reducing illegal immigration;" and 54 percent gave it an "overall grade" of D or F.

Sixty-three percent gave Bush a D or F on controlling government spending.

Perhaps most troublesome for the GOP, Viguerie pointed out, is how that anger may affect the upcoming elections: 51 percent of donors said they plan to reduce or end their financial support.

"This is a recipe for Republicans losing. Republican leaders need to comprehend that if they govern as liberals, they will lose the support of conservatives," Viguerie said.

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