If there was ever a sign that the conservative movement is fracturing, a DM News interview with direct marketer Richard Viguerie is the most compelling. Through direct mail solicitation, Viguerie built a massive, grassroots fundraising operation dedicated to conservative causes. Now, a survey he's done shows Bush's nomination of Harriet Miers to the Supreme Court may cause "an alarming drop in planned donations for conservative causes."
Says Viguerie: "Early indications are that 50 percent [of the respondents] will either stop giving or reduce their contributions to the Republican Party or their candidates."