In
Epic Journey and
After Hope and Change, we discuss factionalism in the GOP. The story is a very old one, literally going back to the 1850s. For the latest chapter, see
Politico:
The once-united Senate Republican Conference is splintering. On issues ranging from gun control to immigration to President Barack Obama’s nominees, Senate Republicans are now split into three major factions: the leadership; hard-line conservatives; and a bloc led by Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
Some previous examples:
- "Feuding among congressional Republicans threatens to derail two of their legislative priorities and may damage the party's chances of retaining control of the U.S. Congress in the November midterm elections.The once-united Republicans were unable last week to come to an agreement on legislation overhauling the U.S. pensions system, and House leaders said they would continue to hold public hearings to criticize the immigration measure approved by the Republican-led Senate." (Bloomberg News, July 31, 2006)
- "Bush's lurch to the right has opened up chasms in the previously united Republican party. Moderates are becoming increasingly vocal in their criticism. Central to this group is Arizona Senator John McCain, a Vietnam war hero and rival to Bush for the 2000 presidential nomination." (The Observer, June 5, 2004).
ONCE-UNITED REPUBLICANS NOW DIVIDED -- A FIZZLED REVOLUTION. A FALTERING LEADER. ONE CONGRESSMAN SAYS SOME SEEM ``SHELL-SHOCKED.' "For a group known for its discipline and togetherness, congressional Republicans have been doing a lot of public feuding lately.The bickering has gotten so noticeable that they're starting to remind people of the Democrats - when they controlled Congress." (Philadelphia Inquirer, March 23, 1997)- "Even if Robertson lacks enough support to win the nomination, his movement is deepening divisions in Republican ranks - divisions that threaten to splinter the Reagan coalition, the key to Republican power since 1981." (New York Times, October 25, 1987)
- "The once united Republican ranks have splintered over the President's insistence on tax increases a scant year after tax reductions." (New York Times, August 20, 1982)
