Evangelicals to McCain – No Mitt Romney as Vice President
Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, seen here with former Republican presidential hopeful and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, speaks in March 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah
Prominent evangelical leaders are warning Sen. John McCain against picking former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as his running mate, saying their troops will abandon the Republican ticket on Election Day if that happens.
They say Mr. Romney lacks trust on issues such as outlawing abortion and opposing same-sex marriage and because he is a Mormon. Opposition is particularly powerful among those who supported former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee in the Republican presidential primaries earlier this year.
“McCain and Romney would be like oil and water,” said evangelical novelist Tim LaHaye, who supported Mr. Huckabee. “We aren’t against Mormonism, but Romney is not a thoroughgoing evangelical and his flip-flopping on issues is understandable in a liberal state like Massachusetts, but our people won’t understand that.”
The Rev. Rob McCoy, pastor of Calvary Chapel in Thousand Oaks, Calif., who speaks at evangelical events across the country, told The Washington Times, “I will vote for McCain unless he does one thing. You know what that is? If he puts Romney on the ticket as veep.
“It will alienate the entire evangelical community – 62 million self-professing evangelicals in this country, half of them registered to vote, are going to be deeply saddened,” Mr. McCoy added.
John McCain faces a “risk” in selecting Mitt Romney – especially with the Evangelical Christian Right. Is this piece and Mike Huckabee’s announcement on Fox News last night that he thought Tim Pawlenty would be John McCain’s Vice President an endorsement of the Minnesota Governor? (Remembering that Mike Huckabee visited Pastor McCoy’s church in Thousand Oaks in March of this year.)
As the lobbying between the pro and anti-Romney forces in the GOP continues, Flap hopes somebody is doing some focus groups and polling in Michigan, Nevada and Colorado.
John McCain needs to pick the very best candidate.
Stay tuned…….
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Technorati Tags: Mitt Romney, John McCain
27 Comments
Bot
Mitt Romney is uniquely qualified to tackle our country’s economic and fiscal issues: devaluation of the dollar, out-of-control spending, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, etc. Mitt has turned around companies (Staples, Home Depot, etc.), the Olympics, and the State of Massachusetts. When you add to that conservative social values, and an exemplary personal and family life – – He’s the best choice for McCain’s Number Two.
Mitt Romney has the right qualifications (the only one with non-governmental (Bain, Olympics) leadership experience, a deep-seated Christian faith, a vision for this country’s future, and an exemplary personal and family life. He won most of the GOP debates.
Mitt has the organizational skills to help MCain run a campaign in the general election and run the country. Obama has never even run a lemonade stand. Mitt would appeal to the Independents and some Democrats for his unique qualifications in these times of economic uncertainty
Lorin
I hope Mitt goes all the way with McCain. I’m appalled to see all over the internet today the announcement that a lot of evangelicals big wig’s wont vote for McCain if he picks Mitt, and encouraging their followers to follow suit. All this because he is not the same religion as them. Funny how they feel they are such great Christian examples themselves but are really standing in Judgment of their fellow man as the Bible says not to. Infact they are calling Mitt a non-Christian. I hope Mitt gets in so he can lay his hand on the Bible (WHICH HE BELIEVES IN AND TRYS TO LIVE BY) to take the oath of office, then they will finally see what a great CHRISTIAN man Mitt really is. I’ve never understood somebody having the gull to call another person a non-Christian. In Mitt’s religion they are not even allowed to put down any other religion from their pulpits or talk negatively about others belief in their meetings. They don’t tare down others religions. It’s too bad many fellow Christians spend so much time tearing down the beliefs of others, and they do it from their pulpits. What does a person’s religion have anyway with an Election. Besides, he’s not running for Pope. Wasn’t this country founded on religious freedom? He would be the VP for us Americans. Not VP for God!
Mary
This supposed flap about evangelicals being against Mitt Romney as McCain’s VP is a bunch of malarkey. I’m an evangelical Christian, conservative, and I am a huge Mitt supporter. Virtually all of my fellow Christian friends and family have no problem with him or his Mormon faith, as we are not so shallow as to believe we’re supposed to seek out only our own brand of Christians for national or local office. We are looking for qualified, competent and moral leaders, and Mitt fits that bill extremely well. It’s McCain we’re not crazy about, and Mitt would add a solid reason to vote for McCain this fall, not just to avoid a disastrous Obama presidency. We want something to vote FOR, not against, and Mitt would give us that. He’s an economic and policy wiz, and his experience with everything from governing to business to pursuits like the Olympics, speak for themselves. McCain/Romney is a ticket I can get behind bigtime.
chip
Mary #3,
I also know many evangelicals who are big Mitt Supporters. The problem (and the MAJOR turnoff to many) is the so-called spiritual and political “evangelical leadership”. The majority of this comes from the Mike Huckabee supporters. It is VERY apparent that they have a problem with Mitt’s religion. I have never read more bigotted comments than when I read articles on pastors4huckabee.com. This is a site that was provided as a link on Huckabee’s official website. Couple that with the Huge article taken out in prominent newspapers and signed by mainly ex-Huckabee big-wigs. It’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Many conservatives are getting frustrated and upset with the “Evangelical Right”. Many I know feel like the Republican Party has been hijacked by them. While I endorse the values they bring to the party, I hate their bigoted politics. It’s transparent, hypocritical, and hurts the Republican Party.
rhino39
I’m sure as a few more people find this site the dialogue will turn ugly but all I can say so far is amen. I’m glad to hear that not all evangelicals are so bigoted.
Katie
I’m a Christian Conservative who thinks that MITT ROMNEY would be an EXCELLENT VP choice. I will be VERY DISCOURAGED if he is not the Vice Presidential pick. How can he SERIOUSLY not be considered, when he’s getting the most votes when people are polled and asked who would be the best VP pick? He is an INCREDIBLE SPEAKER. Unfortunately, if he’s not picked, there is no way the other Republican choices can bring the same excitement, knowledge, and experience to McCain’s ticket. I am not a Mormon, and I didn’t vote for him for President, but he makes the most sense to me.
Aaron
Katie, it’s so nice to hear your reasoning capacity, as well as your good heart. I think it’s time to send a message on religious bigotry and McCain is exactly the man to do this and I hope he is not bullied by these leaders. I really think they are hurting there cause in the future. How can Americans do this, ro a fellow American, who clearly, CLEARLY loves his country. It’s going to far!
collegeblogger
I think that John McCain should be allowed to make his own choice for his VP. However, I will admit to being somewhat concerned ad an evangelical christian. Not proud of that but I do have my own reservations.
Aaron
Collegeblogger, your right, McCain should be allowed to Make his own choice and not be bullied by these bigots. Religion should be out of this. This is distusting!
Robert
I cannot believe that bigotry still exists with the evangelicals not supporting Romney if he gets the V.P. nod. The man is more than qualified to help get some of our ecomomy back on track. McCain is not a true conservative anyway and needs Romney to help with his credibility.
Katie
I just wanted to say…that I can only HOPE that someone from the McCain camp is listening to those of us who are the quiet, family values, Christian Conservatives who don’t care what Mitt Romney’s religion is. I voted for McCain for President, because I thought Mitt Romney was arrogant, but he has PROVEN himself to be a GOOD TEAM PLAYER, and a HUMBLE BUT CONFIDENT LEADER. Having Tim Pawlenty or Eric Cantor on the VP ticket would be even less exciting than John McCain.
You know…I don’t NEED our President to be exciting, or give good speeches, but if he’s not, have someone who has those skills do that for you. Already, in the few speeches I’ve heard from Mitt Romney these past few weeks, he makes Obama sound like he’s in the First Grade. He makes even difficult concepts, seem understandable to the average person.
Mitt Romney is an AMAZING SPEAKER, has GOOD FAMILY VALUES, and, of course, there’s the issue of the ECONOMY. My husband is a Firefighter and he knows several other Firefighters at work who feel the same way. No matter what, YOU have OUR VOTE…MITT ROMNEY!!!
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rhino39
I can’t believe their are Christian leaders out there trying to use their influence in order to swing an election. This tells me these guys are not religious leaders, they are Washington lobbyists. Every one of these guys should have their tax exempt status revoked immediately. Separation of Church and State my brothers and Sisters, was put there for a reason. All you evangelical leaders better make up your minds. Are you a Washington lobbyist or a preacher of the word of God. If choose to play the role of the lobbyist that you aught to be taxed like one. If you are a preacher then go back to you church and use your pulpit to teach the word of God as it pertains to our salvation, not to voice your own political ambitions in an effort to influence a voting block.
You should all be ashamed of your self. And remember God is Watching!
PS> Please excuse any typing errors. It’s late and my AMBIEN just kicked in. 🙂
SARVESH
I THINK we should allow McCain to take his own decision, because i think he is a good leader, & has done good things for the country
Religion should remain out of this. I vote for him because i think he is the only capable person who can take the economy back on track.
SARVESH
I THINK we should allow McCain to take his own decision, because i think he is a good leader, & has done good things for the country
Religion should remain out of this. I vote for him because i think he is the only capable person who can take the economy back on track.
bonny baird
I’m very pleased that so many of you understand that the time has come for us all to join togeather and and say we all have a voice in electing our “PRESIDENT”,and that those who want to judge Mc Cain’s veep pick as not Christian enough should stop and think about what we get if Barack Obama should be elected. As believers and Americans we have a duty to make good choices concerning our leaders. A vote that isn’t cast at a time when our whole world is on the brink…………..sends the wrong message and remember what God say’s about being passive at a time like this. Please get educated about our world history and see what the Bible says about END TIMES. MATCH POINT. Mc Cain needs our prayers and support and I for one will do all I can here in the beautiful state of Colorado to spread the word and help Mc Cain and God willing Mitt Rommey get elected.
Joe
John’s VP pic will be of the next GOP pres. candidate. It cannot be Mitt Romney! The LDS problem is to much to overcome at this time in our history. John would doom his chances (right or wrong).
Abraxia
If Romney is made the VP choice, Obama will win. And if Obama will win, then I’ll get to laugh at the false Christians who voted against Sarah Palin and voted for a slimy empty suit.
bonny baird
Rommey’s winning the VP spot will not make Obama a sure thing as the next PRESIDENT!!!! I’m watching the DNC have their day in Denver as we speak and “IF” we don’t get off our duffs and knock off this blabber and move forward we will usher in a Muslim as the next President of these United States. Try swallowing that bitter pill down the road. Are all of those who profess to be believers sleeping at the wheel????? I’ve talked to many people of different faiths and frankly they are at a lose as to why christians are not getting it. SO when you all find the perfect “Person”, for Mc Cain to select for VP let me know, because there isn’t one. Rommey is Morman, I’m not, but the man has much to offer as a VP and “Mr. Huckabee isn’t close to what is needed at this time. Reverand Wright………Mitt Rommey……..Hummm, “IF the winds should shift, I’ll stand by the Muslims…… “Quote”……..Barack Hussian Obama, Joe Biden………third most liberal……..makes Rommey look pretty good. As far as the “False Christian” comment goes, I’m not here to judge or be judged that’s God’s job,but it will be sad indeed if christians stay home on election day because Rommey is the VP choice. It’s Tuesday and Mc Cain will annouce his guy soon enough and will all have to pray for whom ever he decides on. AND GET OUT THE VOTE OR NOT!! We have what we have to work with. At least Rommey knows that Jesus died for our sins. Do you think Barack based on what we now know is a true Christian? It will be interesting to see what you all have to say when the VP is finially revealed this week. Don’t ya think. Pray for our leaders and our country.
Joe
Well Bonny, you just brought up “Muslim” in ref to Obama. Look, Obama is liberal only to the extent that he wants to be pres. He is not a hard stone liberal like Hillary. If he were pres. he would wander here and there and muttle thru. Many in the GOP say fine, let the Dems have it for 4 years and in the meantime, we will be grooming the next Ronald Reagan. That next GOP cannot be Mitt Romney. I’d rather a Ridge or anyone else! LDS and Islam are the same in how they started. Right or Wrong, Christians who are informed of the LDS church would rather regroup for 2012 than vote for a McCain/Romney ticket! And they will at least have some comfort that they nailed the final hammer in Hillarys political coffin.
bonny baird
Joe, Say what? Are we talking about the same person here? I believe that pretty much everyone outside of a cave is fully aware of Barack’s liberal standing and I for one don’t want someone like that for the president of the United States of America!! Why would you vote for McCain/Rommney in four years from now if you’re so against the LDS connection now??? Who do you think the next Ronald Reagan is???? There isn’t a next Ronald Reagan and I don’t live in the past. And allowing someone like B.O. to muttle thru as a president during a time when we have so many issues going on in the world stage is certainly a passive approach that your welcome to take, but me “NOT SO MUCH”. I don’t agree with LDS on many levels, but Barack Obama…well there isn’t enough space and frankly I doubt that you would change your opinion. Barack Obama isn’t liberal just to the extent that he wants to be president, he has a ONE WORLD View……..that frankly scares the HEll out of me. He isn’t the Messiah I’ve been waiting for. If you know what I mean. I’ll check out the LDS and Islam connection though!! News to me.
bonny baird
Hey Joe, Don’t know if you were just web surfing when you engaged me, but I just need to say that I don’t know where you got the “Many in the GOP would rather sit this one out”comment, but you must not be fully aware of how the GOP really sees this election and many christians for that matter. I listened to Hillary’s speech last night and I just don’t see things quite the same as you do. She’s hoping for a Mc Cain win no matter what the pundents say and putting a “nail in her coffin” won’t be happening anytime soon. I personally have no issue with the fact that Barack is a black man. His values and world view should be enough for christians and others to take a quick detour, but the Dems are famous for picking a “Golden Boy”, for the party. If the far right stay home and opt out they will have much to answer for in my opinion. Maybe some of you would do well to stop being passive sheep and concider the “ABORTION” issue and his stance and what he intends to do once he’s in office. Don’t you think that blood of a few million more aborted babies is a good enough reason to keep this man out of office at all cost? I’m appalled that some on the right keep their heads in the sand and think that they are “off the hook” if they’re play “NO SHOW” in this election? I don’t hate BO or Hill, I pray for them, but this time around it isn’t the worse of two evils, Barack Obama is at the core evil and the only way to fight back is to vote “NO” to him and his followers. Check out what he says he will do on the abortion issue once he takes office. And the amazing thing is, this is only one of many things that makes my head spin about this man. The world isn’t going to stop spinning and be still for four more years so the far right can slam the lid on Hillery’s hope chest. Good luck to you and yours.
Joe
Well Bonny, looks like all our back n forth could be for not. If McCain picks Tim, my worries are over and I’m backing McCain 100 percent. To clarify, if a McCain/Romney ticket were elected this time, then in 2012 Romney would be the likely GOP nominee and Hillary would be the likely Dem. nominee. Setting up the perfect storm. I could expose the evils of the Clintons and the evils of LDS. Won’t take the time to do it here. My prayers today, Thursday Aug. 28th is
that tomorrow, Friday Aug 29th I wake up to hear that John McCain picked ANYONE other than Mitt Romney. God Bless.
bonny baird
Joe, I’ll be praying also. Looks like the “ROCK STAR” had his big night here in the beautiful state of Colorado!! In a few hours Mc Cain will announce his pick. If Barack gets elected we probably won’t see a new president in four years. This man is bad news on every level……. As for Rommey and the Muslim connection…..guess the glass is half full so to speak. They have us surrouned. I just pray for all the souls who aren’t aware of what “End Times” is about, and really I’m at peace knowing that there are plans for us that only God can bring about. Maybe he’ll surprise us all. Mc Cain that is.
Joe
MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!!! Bonny, this is awesome news! Someday, Pres. Palin!!!
God bless and GO JOHN N SARA GOOOOOO
bonny baird
Joe, I’m smiling and crying and so thankful that John Mc Cain has made such a wonderful choice. As a woman I’m so proud to see this day and soooooooo proud that she will be standing beside a true “TRUE AMERICAN HERO”. Where’s my yard sign and how soon can I put one in my front yard? I live in a very liberal neighborhood and they think I’m stinker. And the libs honestly don’t know what just hit them. Sarah Palin as President sounds sooooooooo good. God bless you and God bless America and our troops. My jaws hurt. In a good way.
bonny baird
Joe, Got to give credit where credit is due. You were right about Rhommey!!!!