As a former Republican, I represent a group of Americans who all too often have no one to speak for them. This group doesn't necessarily have a name. We've been called 'moderates,' but that term can be misleading.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I'm a moderate. I hang out in the middle. I vote against my party with some regularity and try to compromise. It doesn't appear right now that the Republican Party is welcoming moderates any more.
I consider myself a moderate Republican. I have very, very moderate social views, and I'm pretty strong on, on defense matters.
I'm what you would call an 'independent moderate.'
You can call me an Eisenhower Republican. There is a gigantic gulf between an Eisenhower Republican and the kind of fringe brand of Republicanism that is being so vocally promoted today.
The Republican Party is a much bigger tent than people give it credit for. We have a lot of what I guess you all call moderate Republicans.
I represent what I think is a traditional Republican... a limited government, fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, individual freedom and liberty.
I joined a Republican Party that was used to losing, used to being browbeaten by the Democrats. I represent a totally different style.
I had a reputation of being somewhat moderate, partly, I think, because I wasn't a 'bomb thrower' like some of my conservative colleagues, and partly because I got along with people all across the political spectrum.
Everybody who is a Republican wants to call themselves conservative even if they don't necessarily vote that way.
I'm considered a new Democrat, which would be considered moderate.