Fox News is reporting on a morale problem among social conservatives, which could create problems in the mid-term elections.
More than a year after "values voters" propelled President Bush to a second term in office, many religious conservatives say they are starting to feel undervalued, an emotion that could spell danger for congressional Republicans ahead of a contentious midterm election.
“You can cut it with a knife, that’s how upset they are,” said Richard Viguerie, a long-time member of the social conservative movement, which is largely evangelical and considered to be the base of last year's presidential victory.
Among the disappointments cited are increased spending under the Republican-controlled White House and Congress, and a lack of focus on domestic issues dear to this voting bloc. Recent Capitol Hill scandals shadowing some of the "religious right’s" brightest stars and a lost battle to save Terri Schiavo have also threatened the morale and strength of this political lobby, say leaders.
“I definitely think there are morale problems and waning enthusiasm,” said Gary Bauer, head of the Campaign for Working Families, a conservative political action committee.
“Part of it, I think is we’re in a second term (presidency) and there’s been no major progress on things that the base really cares about,” said Bauer, who ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2000. “There is sort of this simmering frustration out there that 'man, they want our votes on Election Day, but they are going to fight on 50 other issues before they get to our issues.'”
Conservatives, however, do acknowledge two major morale boosts over the last year — the confirmations of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito.
(Posted by Trask)
