Republicans plan anti-Palin protest Friday

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Thu May-20-10 10:36 AM
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Republicans plan anti-Palin protest Friday

Source: Idaho Reporter

Sarah Palin’s presence at an event can draw thousands out to see her speak and evoke emotional responses from those who either love or detest her. It appears her presence will become a divisive force in Idaho politics when she comes Friday to the Qwest Arena to stump for Vaughn Ward, a Marine reservist vying with state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, for the GOP nomination to take on Democratic incumbent Walt Minnick in Idaho’s 1st Congressional District. There will be protesters out to oppose her visit, but the group won’t be made up of anti-Palin Democrats; it will consist of anti-Palin Republicans angry over her involvement in local politics and her recent political endorsements. The group is being organized by Lucas Baumbach, a Republican candidate for the Idaho State Senate in District 17.

For Baumbach, an ardent Labrador supporter, the visit isn’t so much about Palin’s support of Ward, it’s about her becoming involved in Idaho politics. “I am disgusted by her interference in local elections,” said Baumbach in an e-mail to IdahoReporter.com. “It’s abusing her star power to favor Ward over a man she hasn’t met.”

Palin’s endorsement of Ward isn’t the only announcement of support that has Baumbauch up in arms. Baumbach said that Palin is pandering to Tea Party crowds, typically more conservative than other groups, while supporting Arizona Sen. John McCain in his re-election bid, a man many conservatives believe is too moderate. Palin was brought to national prominence when McCain chose her as his running mate in the 2008 presidential election. He also takes issue with Palin’s support of Carly Fiorina, who served as a McCain advisor during his 2008 run at the White House, over Chuck Devore in the race for one of California’s U.S. Senate seats. DeVore has received endorsements from several national right-wing figures, including Mark Levin, a nationally-syndicated talk radio host, Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., regarded as one of the most conservative members of the U.S. Senate, and the Tea Party Express, a national Tea Party organization.

Baumbach believes Palin has become corrupted by national politics and is paying back political favors by endorsing those associated with McCain. “Why doesn’t she endorse the real conservatives,” he said. “Conservative voters and the Tea Party favor Devore and Labrador! It’s a classic insider-versus-conservative-base struggle.” Ward served as McCain’s Nevada state campaign director in 2008.
The anti-Palin protest won’t solely consist of Labrador supporters, according to Baumbach, who ran unsuccessfully for Boise City Council in 2009. He believes that many will be protestors will be like him; former Palin supporters who have flipped on her because of the recent endorsements. “I was a huge fan, because I believe in people who profess their faith. She’s a good example of why we need to focus on God not man,” Baumbach. He said that the group could number in the hundreds and will feature some “high-level Republican officials” flying in from north Idaho to attend, though he didn’t give names.

Read more: http://www.idahoreporter.com/2010/republicans-plan-anti-palin-protest-friday/

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