GOP conservationists struggling over who to support in '04

[Reciprocity]

I think we can gain ground with the undecided on the environment and stem cell research.

GOP conservationists struggling over who to support in '04

JAY REEVES

Associated Press
>snip<
Marshall, 55, is a liberal-bashing, Bible-believing, gun-toting hunter - just like many of the white men at the core of the GOP's base - and he voted for George W. Bush four years ago. But he's disgusted by the administration's environmental record, including its proposal in July to open more public-owned wilderness areas to new roads.
>snip<
In a national survey of 752 hunters and anglers in June - with 68 percent saying they voted for Bush in 2000 - environmental issues ranked among the top five issues of concern behind terrorism, education and the Iraq war.

A majority of those in the poll strongly supported some of the administration's conservation programs, especially one to let private landowners restore hunting and fishing habitats. But they opposed key administration proposals seen as loosening pollution controls on industry.
>snip<
While hunters and anglers generally are conservative, Petrich said they're also fiercely protective of the woods and lakes where they spend their recreational time. Republican or not, he said, Bush could lose support among them over anything that's perceived as threatening the areas they cherish.
For more..
http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/news/politics/9291117.htm

[depakid]

1. GOP conservationists?

now there's a contradiction in terms...

[tabasco]

3. Truly.

These people make as much sense as log cabin republicans. HEY GANG - time to pick one or the other. YOU CAN'T BE BOTH !

[Toots]

8. Not really

It is amazing how many Republicans actually do care for the environment. Not all are for bull dozing all the trees and filling the air with smoke. A lot of Republicans are true outdoorsmen and love the wilderness. They are very much conflicted at this moment.

[Mikimouse]

2. GOP conservationists?? Sounds like an oxymoron to me...

But of course, I am sure that the members of Safari Club International will do everything they can to ensure the continuation of certain species, so they will have something to bait and shoot.

[BillZBubb]

4. GOP conservationists--self deluding personalities.

I don't know how many people I've talked to who say they are seriously concerned about the environment, but vote R at every opportunity. I try to explain to them how that is a total contradiction citing what Bush* and the Repugs are up to. They don't get it.

In the end, I'm convinced their so-called environmental concern is phony--they just want to have people think they care about something other than themselves. It's bullshit.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

5. This is an example of looking towards the shared values that bind us

instead of the narrow values that divide us. For instance here in Montana there are plenty of good old boy Republicans who are very serious about protecting the environment and preserving wilderness. We even have the right to a clean and healthful environment guaranteed under our state constitution.

[enough]

6. "Republicans for Environmental Protection"

http://www.repamerica.org/

These people are for real. I know some of them locally -- active republicans who are also active environmentalists in local issues. They will not be voting for Bush this time around

[Massacure]

7. I don't see how it is a conflict of interest

They are big time hunters and they hate how big industry is killing off all the wild life. Is there something wrong with that?

[revree]

9. If they really are conservationists,

they will not vote for Bush. Unless they have no integrity to speak of, that is.