Hey, Hill, where's the Mittster?
First impression? Seriously, Hill reporter. How many people on that list haven’t already been seen and heard? Ad nauseum.The Iowa Freedom Summit, organized by controversial Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) and Citizens United, is drawing many of those hoping to become the right's standard-bearer.
“The King event is significant. It's the kickoff for the cycle for Republicans,” said Craig Robinson, a former political director of the Iowa Republican Party. “It's basically a year out, and it's going to be the first real time where Iowans are going to gather, look at these candidates side by side and really start deciding who they like.”
Speakers include Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, businesswoman Carly Fiorina and neurosurgeon Ben Carson.
[...]
“This is a really important event. You only get one chance to make a first impression,” said conservative activist Sam Clovis, who was the Iowa GOP’s 2014 nominee for state treasurer.
The Hill
”The Iowa Freedom Summit.”While nearly every movement conservative will be in attendance, most of the establishment candidates other than Christie are staying away — possibly because of King’s reputation.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney — newly flirting with another bid — aren’t attending, citing scheduling conflicts. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, who have conservative appeal, aren't attending either.
Their absence will allow them distance from King, a fiery critic of illegal immigration who has been especially vocal in recent weeks attacking President Obama’s executive actions to end deportations for many illegal immigrants.
[...]
Rubio, while refusing to criticize King directly, said on Wednesday that his party must be careful with its rhetoric.
Jesus wept.
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