Bush has urged the conservatives to back the eventual Republican Party nominee.
“The stakes in November are high. This is an important election. Prosperity and peace are in the balance,” Bush explained to about 2,000 people attending the Conservative Political Action Conference.
Recently, GOP frontrunner John McCain has tried to appeal to conservatives. Also during that time, Mitt Romney, the former governor of Massachusetts had dropped his bid for the GOP nomination for US President.
Bush added: “So with confidence in our vision and faith in our values, let us go forward, fight for victory and keep the White House in 2008.” He had spoke to the crowd after 7 AM EST. The President was welcomed with claps and cheers as those asked if there were conservatives in the house.
They cheered Bush’s comments on tax relief, military buildup in Iraq, the Reagan era, and his opposition to abortion rights. The same crowd gave boos when Bush explained that his critics want to expand the role of the federal government.
Conservatives within the GOP are resigned about the thought of Senator John McCain of Arizona leading the Republican ticket come November. However, they are concerned with the long history of clashes over both economic and social issues of the right flank.
It is unknown how many conservatives will stay home in November or attempt to sway and influence McCain’s positions along with his choice in running mate.
McCain’s victory has been pretty much sealed due to Romney’s announcement that he was suspending his campaign. But, Bush is urging the conservative base to put their support behind McCain.
“We have had good debates and soon we will have a nominee who will carry a conservative banner into this election and beyond,” Bush said to the crowd.
“I’m absolutely confident that with your help, we will elect a person that shares our principles,” Bush added.