Bob Dole: Conservatives Will "Hold Their Nose and Vote" For Governor Chris Christie

[big_dog]

Source: The Hunterdon County Democrat (New Jersey)

November 12, 2013 8:20 AM

Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole threw his two cents into the Chris Christie sweepstakes, speculating that conservatives may not be on board with the New Jersey governor, but they should be. During an interview with CNN, Dole, who lost to Bill Clinton in 1996, called Christie a "hot ticket" and said the Republican would be more appealing in the general election than in the Republican primary.

"I think the Republicans are so anxious to win, that the conservatives, if he's the nominee, are going to hold their nose and vote for him," Dole said. "I mean, they are tired of losing. Dole said no Republican has yet emerged as the 2016 front runner and while "exciting" Christie has yet to establish himself as a "national candidate."

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus also commented on Christie's chances three years from now, saying the New Jersey governor was one of several rising stars in the Republican ranks. "We're going to be the party that is fresh and new in 2016, it's the Democrats who are going to be rolling out the same old names that you would expect them to roll out," Priebus said.

Priebus was lukewarm on the "Christie as frontrunner" storyline saying the governor will "do well in all of his endeavors."

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/11/bob_dole_conservatives_will_hold_their_nose_and_vote_for_christie.html

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[TwilightGardener]

1. Well, glad the Republican Primary outcome for 2016 has been settled.

Even Democrats aren't that conclusive about Hillary Clinton's nomination--at least we pretend there's going to be a contest. Very strange.

[big_dog]

2. imo, this is a signal to the tea party from the old guard/moneyed GOP

that there is no way the GOP will possibly fund a national election with Cain/Cruz/Rubio/Paul/Ryan/Palin/Bachmann at the top of the ticket

[TwilightGardener]

6. I agree--but I want the baggers to bring the crazy and force a choice between

somewhat rational governance (the sort that only northeastern GOPers like Christie stand for anymore) or the Shutdown God-n-Gunz clown posse. They forced Mittens to flippity-flop so much he was having daily identity crises. That's what needs to happen again. More Michele Bachmanns and Herman Cains!

[big_dog]

7. believe me, I am totally down to bring the crazy of Cain/ Bachmann 2016

Stephen Colbert would probably start a campaign to donate to them in the primary!

[warrior1]

3. who listens to Bob Dole anymore?

[bullwinkle428]

4. I guess like they failed to do for you in '96, Bob?

[gordianot]

5. Wonder if it will be the same Conservatives who walked by his wheel chair at the UN treaty vote?

They did not even bother to hold their nose and just ignored him.

[nyquil_man]

8. They were desperate to win in 2012, too.

Why else would they have nominated a guy who helped create the template for a program they despise?

[olddad56]

9. I had no idea that Bob Dole was still living.

[AtheistCrusader]

10. Worked real good for McCain and Romney.

By all means, keep the streak alive.

[Dawson Leery]

11. In fairness Bob, Republicans do have the right to hold a primary to determine their candidate,

Just as Democrats do.