Some Republican leaders urge candidates not to focus on Ground Zero mosque issue

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

As Republican candidates across the country seize on the proposed construction of a mosque near New York's Ground Zero as a campaign issue, some influential figures in the GOP are growing concerned that it could backfire.

Although public opinion is running overwhelmingly against the construction of the Islamic center, Republican strategists said there are dangers in pushing the issue too forcefully.

Pollster David Winston, who advises GOP congressional leaders, worries that the mosque controversy could overshadow the issues voters care about most. "While this is certainly an issue that has generated a lot of emotion, when it comes to voting, the election is going to be about the economy and jobs," he said.

Others fear that the party risks appearing intolerant of religious differences.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/17/AR2010081705860.html

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The Post quoted former RNC chairman Ed Gillespie and current New Jersey governor Chris Christie. This article even reported Bush's criticism of racial profiling against Arab Americans during the 2000 presidential debate and visit of the Embassy Row mosque in Washington shortly after 9/11.

[PSPS]

1. Again with the "moaque" reference. IT HAS A SWIMMING POOL - IT'S A COMMUNITY CENTER.

[dkf]

2. I can't fix the "two blocks away" and you can't fix "mosque"

Names and descriptions have firmed up already.

[savalez]

3. I smell good cop bad cop.

[JI7]

4. "Others fear that the party risks appearing intolerant of religious differences. "

you think ??????? do they know what their party has been about for years ?

[saigon68]

5. USA USA USA

Vomit

[Karenina]

6. This genie has gone global...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jsAmNhmRRI&feature=channel

3 Americans debate on "Inside Story." One Republican strategist and 2 sane people. :crazy:

[No Elephants]

7. Oh, please. Bushco profiled Arabs in airports after 911. I saw the memo.

[No Elephants]

8. Translation: "We just realized we could lose the Muslim American vote."