Cautious Crane Takes Surprise Stand

Republican presidential candidate, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum addresses the crowd at a rally on Tuesday in Boise. State Treasurer Ron Crane (red tie) is sitting in lower right behind Santorum. (AP Photo/Press-Tribune, Charlie Litchfield)

Idaho’s Treasurer, Ron Crane, has been a friend of mine for many years. … He joined me in ‘94 in supporting political “upstart” Helen Chenoweth when I was in her “kitchen cabinet” for her first GOP Primary win, against David Leroy, the near-titular head of the GOP, at that time. To the best of my knowledge, that was the last time Ron Crane ever opposed any establishment Republican, in favor of an “outsider”. That is, until last night, when he publicly announced his support of Rick Santorum - and even sat on stage behind the presidential candidate. Despite years of friendship he never endorsed me in any of my runs for office. And yet he endorsed Rick Santorum last evening. That’s amazing — and highly encouraging. And more than a bit controversial. Something’s happening in the ranks of the GOP big boys/ Dennis Mansfield . More here.

Question: Do you think “something’s happening in the ranks of the GOP big boys”?