KARL ROVE ADDRESSES ABC’S 2008 LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE (06/19/2008)
Political analyst Karl Rove, who served as deputy chief of staff to President Bush from 2001 to 2007, today spoke before members of ABC during the association’s 2008 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
In his remarks, Rove addressed key ABC issues, including the upcoming elections, the Employee Free Choice Act, and immigration and health care reform. He reminded the audience that winning key congressional races is important in helping defeat card-check legislation.
“To block card-check, we need 40 solid votes in the U.S. Senate,” he said, also pointing out that there are 29 open Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It’s a reminder of how much your efforts matter,” Rove said. “Organization and an enthusiastic effort at the local level can get these votes. What you do will have a big impact this fall.”
Rove also spoke about the close presidential race, drawing on research that shows McCain is doing better among Democrats than Obama is among Republicans. He also touched on a Washington Post poll that reported 46 percent of people don’t think Obama has enough experience to be president.
In addition, Rove broke down many of the differences between McCain and Obama on issues such as taxes, energy, national security and health care. He advocated letting contractors band together for more affordable health care coverage, adding that it is important to “stop the frivolous lawsuits that are driving up the cost of health care.”
Rove ended his remarks by expressing appreciation for ABC members who are willing to stand up for the merit shop philosophy in the political arena, saying, “Thanks for doing what you do.”
