INDIANAPOLIS -
A virtual split in the Republican Party is affecting Hoosier politicians and voters.
It's a debate that is festering within the Republican Party nationwide. The hunt for American "RINO," - Republican In Name Only - is on and Indiana is a prime example.
Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush has opened up a Pandora's box within the party. Monday, he said he was not sure there is a place for Ronald Reagan or his father, George H.W. Bush, in the Republican Party of today, considering the current climate in the GOP.
Senator Richard Lugar's primary loss at the hands of Richard Mourdock in Indiana could be a prime example of that debate within the GOP.
"We are Reagan conservatives," said Indiana Tea Party activist Greg Fettig.
Fettig, who authored a new book about Lugar's demise, called "The Tea Party On Safari: The Hunt for American RINO," says he is not surprised by Jeb Bush's comments. He says moderate Republicans are Republican in name only, hence the RINO acronym.
"Not center moderate. They have to be right of center. Those we have targeted are in the center. We don't know if they are Republicans or Democrats," Fettig said.
Eyewitness News Political Analyst Peter Rusthoven worked in the Reagan Administration.
"The idea that he is not pure enough. He is not pure enough, she is not good enough, we are getting rid of him. I think that is a bad approach. The Reagan approach, 'big tent, let's work together on what we agree on. Let's make sure you don't treat your opponents as enemies. We treat them as political opponents, but as Americans'," Rusthoven said. "I think that is what advances conservative principles."
Republican Gubernatorial candidate Mike Pence says Reagan's spirit is alive and well in the GOP.
"While it is important to find common ground to move the process forward, I don't think one should ever compromise the principles they were elected to advance," Pence said.
His Democratic opponent, John Gregg, sees an opportunity.
"If The Gipper was here, he would say, 'I didn't leave the Republican Party,' just as Dick Lugar and his supporters are saying all across the state. I didn't leave the Republican Party, the Republican Party left me."
Gregg says the hunt for moderate RINOs in the Indiana Republican Party is good news for a moderate Democrat running for governor.
Tea Party activist Greg Fettig wrote a book about a split in the Republican Party.
Sen. Richard Lugar lost a primary election in May.
Richard Mourdock defeated Lugar in that election.
Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) is running for governor in November.
John Gregg is the Democratic candidate for governor.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTHR. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
