Sarah Palin leads Washington Post List of GOP Standard Bearers

by Chris Cillizza, Washington Post: Sarah Palin's decision late last week to endorse the Conservative Party candidate over the Republican nominee in a special U.S. House election in Upstate New York is the latest example that the former Alaska governor's allegiance is to her conservative principles rather than the party's edicts.

"Republicans and conservatives around the country are sending an important message to the Republican establishment in their outstanding grassroots support for Doug Hoffman: no more politics as usual," Palin wrote on her Facebook page. She also cited President Ronald Reagan's belief that "blurring the lines" is not the way to rebuild the party and added: "The Republican Party today has decided to choose a candidate who more than blurs the lines, and there is no real difference between the Democrat and the Republican in this race." . . .

Palin joins former senators Rick Santorum (Pa.) and Fred Thompson (Tenn.) and former House majority leader Dick Armey (Tex.) in Hoffman's camp. Among those who have endorsed Scozzafava is former House speaker Newt Gingrich (Ga.). . . .

GOP standard-bearers Speaking of Palin, where does she rank in terms of influence within the party? (Hint: high.) Here's a look at the 10 (well, 11) most influential GOP politicians:
10. Bob McDonnell . . . [Candidate for VA Gov]
9. Rep.John Boehner/ Sen.Mitch McConnell . . . [House and Senate GOP leaders]
8. Rep. Pete Sessions . . . [Chair NRCC]
7. Michael Steele . . . [RNC Chairman]
6. Sen. John Cornyn . . . [Chair NRSC]
5. Gov. Haley Barbour . . . [MS Gov., Chair Republican Governors Assoc.]
4. Mike Huckabee . . . [Former AR Gov., ran for 2008 GOP Presidential nomination, popular radio and TV shows]
3. Mitt Romney . . . [Former MA Gov. ran for 2008 GOP Presidential nomination]
2. Gov. Tim Pawlenty . . . [MN Gov., "establishment's buzz candidate"]
1. Sarah Palin . . . [Former AK Gov., 2008 GOP VP Candidate, "Wonder Woman," Principled Conservative, draws big crowds, New Book "Going Rogue" went No. 1 even though not be released until Nov. 17]
[Full Article: Ideology trumps party for Palin]

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