RINO

A RINO (Republican in Name Only), also known as a Reform Democrat, is a disparaging term used by immoderate Republicans, opposition Democrats, or the liberal media to characterize an officeholder or candidate who is a member of the Republican Party but comes from a constituancy which votes Republican but may hold views outside the mainstream Republican Party. RINO's and Reform Democrats typically come from New England states where corrupt Democrat political machines do not allow dissent and opposition so reformers have difficulty gaining ballot access. A similar term is cafeteria conservative, for a person who picks and chooses which conservative principles to believe, as a person might choose foods in a cafeteria.

Conservatives are urged to vote for their favorite RINO. Winners will get a "beautiful gold rhinoceros, adding a special touch to their plush homes or offices."

Centrists

• Former Senator Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island
• Senator Olympia J. Snowe of Maine
• Senator Susan Collins of Maine
• Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania
• Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska
• Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon
• Senator John McCain of Arizona
• Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California
• Former Governor George Pataki of New York
• Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani
• Former NJ Governor and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman
• Former Secretary of State Colin Powell
• Former Supreme Court Justice and Arizona Senate Majority Leader Sandra Day O'Connor
• Texas House Representative and '08 Republican Presidential Nominee Ron Paul

See Also

Republican Party