Arizona GOP continues to fight for unity in the big tent extending from Phoenix to Southern Arizona. Here are some of the battles:
1) AZGOP Chairman Matt Salmon and McCain have picked Lisa James to replace Salmon as state party chairman. It is believed that McCain hopes that by installing James he will have greater control over party resources to help his campaign. McCain, who is consistently booed at state GOP conventions, and has been censured by various Republican groups including LD 11, is looking to avoid an embarrassment in his home state. Randy Pullen, a conservative, will not oppose McCain, but he won't be the fall-in-line leader McCain needs to control the state party, either. The latest in the conspiracy is detailed at Sonoran Alliance.
2) Although everyone expected an ugly fight at the Pima County GOP Statutory Meeting, it wasn't to be. Chairman Judi White ran the meeting with an iron fist restricting executive committee candidate speeches to 1 minute and no speeches from those who seconded nominations. There were no voting results reported beyond announcing the winners, no motions made, no debate, and no mention of the outrage expressed against party leaders for their part in the election losses. Expect the thermometer to burst in an upcoming central committee meeting where grievances will be aired and leaders will be asked to explain why they failed to keep the primary civil and support the party nominee.
3) Many Republicans are seething over GOP candidate Pete Hershberger's alleged alliance with Democrat Lena Seradnek during the election. This could be a battle that plays out when Pete makes his anticipated run for state Senate in two years.
4) Some Pima County GOP leaders expressed outrage when a fellow Republican threw his or her hat in the ring as a contender at the Pima County meeting. Such behavior suggests an attitude by many central committee members that once elected they are everafter entitled to move up the ladder. Instead of three or four candidates for each officer position, most candidates ran unopposed because others feared to upset the incumbent. Instead of healthy debate, there is an apparent culture of entitlement and status quo further dividing the party.
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7 comments:
Why are you referring us to Sonora Alliance seemingly 'headed' by Oro Valley Dad(we are very much aware of that identity)? He reminds us of the bunch from GOPUSA (or is it USAGOP). A snoop out to stir a pot of trouble....fact or fiction....salt to burn the wounds that divide.
The story at Sonoran Alliance is fact and is well documented. How does the saying go “Sunshine is the best disinfectant.” OVD is just trying expose the inside deals going on within the state.
Don’t worry about the link here. The story got picked up by RedState.
Unity is extremely important, but so is standing on principal. When you have too many factions, unity cannot exist. The Democrats are splintered and may not do as much damage as previously feared. The Blue Dog Democrats are a growing force and may vote with Republicans on many issues, particularly on social matteres. I suggest a return to the Republican Platform and only backing candidates that pledge to do so.
The Graf people need to look in the mirror when placing blame as to why they lost. All I see from them is finger-pointing. I have lost all respect that I had for Randy.
There is plenty of blame to go around: campaign sabotage, unkept promises, and withheld resources, to name a few. The complete story is quite ugly and reflects poorly on GOP leaders. Party activists knew the damage done by the GOP in the primary would be extremely difficult to overcome. Many speculated that nobody could overcome it. Graf thought he could. Perhaps he could have pulled it off if promises had been kept and resources been made available. At this point, we'll never know.
Those who lack information on what occured may see it as fingerpointing. But the fact is, party leaders acting in concert to frustrate a candidate in order to appease a vindictive Kolbe caused the loss of more than just the CD8 seat and should bear some responsibility for it.
Expect the thermometer to burst in an upcoming central committee meeting where grievances will be aired...
Bring a pole to that meeting and make it a Festivus celebration. ;-)
It is a bit of a stretch to say that Lisa James is the choice of McCain. This is a lady who worked against McCain in the 2000 primary, since she was the Bush-Cheny Arizona director. McCain (and his people) have long memories and a pretty tight knit group, which she likely is not a part of.
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