Fundamentalist Republicans in Washington State
• Christian Fundamentalism
POULSBO, Kitsap County — Above the lane leading up to Ellen Craswell's home in rural Kitsap County, a hand-painted archway proclaims in bold letters: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God."
Craswell has never been shy about revealing her religious convictions or voicing her staunchly conservative views on everything from abortion to gay rights. ...
Then in 1996, Craswell — preaching what she called "God's plan" for running state government — captured the party's nomination for governor. But she later was trounced in the general election by Democrat Gary Locke. ...
Though Republican leaders say they are eager to keep Christian conservative voters in the fold, they are working hard to make sure another candidate like Craswell does not rise up.
"Ellen Craswell was an anomaly," said state Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance. "Her views did not reflect the Republican Party's values. If you're looking for a radical conservative party, that's not the Republican Party. Never has been, never will be."
Vance said incompetence by Republican leaders allowed the party to be taken over by people who "were not just conservative but wanted to openly espouse Christianity through the Republican Party. These folks weren't just pro-life, they were almost theocrats."
That sort of talk rankles Christian conservatives.
Ralph Thomas, The Seattle Times: State Republicans distancing themselves from religious right
Comments
Posted by: kit | July 21, 2004 4:36 PM