August 1, 2008
GOP leader to Republican candidates: avoid the convention
Posted: 08:55 AM ET
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
A GOP congressional leader urged candidates to avoid the party's summer convention.
(CNN) — The man spearheading campaign efforts for congressional Republicans has some advice for embattled legislators locked in tough races: stay away from the GOP convention.
In a Thursday conference call with lawmakers and campaign strategists, National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Tom Cole argued candidates should steer clear of the party’s summer convention in Minneapolis, calling it a “waste of time” in a tough year when every day on the campaign trail counts.
According to a report in The Hill, the Oklahoma congressman urged Republican lawmakers to feel free to criticize the party – including prospective future colleagues, citing dismal congressional approval ratings. “These ratings are worse than we had on the eve of losing the majority,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to say you are disappointed in fellow Republicans… don’t hesitate to be anti-Washington, D.C.’”
Several GOP senators have already announced their plans to skip the Republican National Convention, including Maine Senator Susan Collins and North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole, who had a prime-team speaking role at the last RNC.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/01/gop-leader-to-republican-candidates-avoid-the-convention/
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