GOP Still Hasn't Seen the Bottom

Republicans wonder when their woes will bottom

By Ambreen Ali

Posted Mar 5, 2009 10:29 AM CST

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GOP Still Hasn't Seen the Bottom — The latest public brawl between Rush Limbaugh, pictured here, and Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele, indicates a party in trouble. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

Just when the Grand Old Party thought it couldn't get worse, it has: Conservative infighting from a caustic radio host, stumbles from its emerging non-white leaders—Michael Steele and Bobby Jindal both—and polls that suggest just 25% of Americans support them. Meanwhile, Dems enjoy great popularity and steady donations. "I have no idea where the bottom is," a Republican pollster tells Politico.

“The left has put together the most powerful political coalition I’ve ever witnessed,” says former Rep. Tom DeLay, once a coalition builder himself. His party comrades lay the blame on their leaders—including gaffe-prone Steele, decaying powerhouse Newt Gingrich, and congressional members who haven't offered counterpoints to Democrats' policies. "It's unclear what is the Republican stimulus plan,” says former Gov. Mitt Romney.
(More Republican stories.)

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