Was asked an interesting question that I thought I'd throw here today. What lessons did you learn from the convention this week?
First, a dedicated group of grass-roots activists can make a difference. To be specific the Ron Paul people have been dedicated in attempting to democratically organize inside the Republican party. I'm guessing that 10% or more of the delegates at the convention yesterday were Ron Paul people who registered in each county to be county delegates. In today's "who cares" society, very few people actually register to be county delegates or even precinct chairs. If a dedicated group wants to make something happen, it sure wouldn't be hard to gain control of a county, or even the convention.
Second, the Greg Zoeller campaign was very well run. They just plain did a great job of reaching out to delegates and making sure they got their votes on the floor. Hats off to a great campaign team and making sure the details were covered. Again if a dedicated challenger wants to win at the convention, it takes a terrific strategy and working it all the way through to the minute details.
Lastly, Mitch Daniels got a threat from the far-right conservatives, perhaps a "reminder" is the better term. They made their point, and made it loudly. No one wants a candidate shoved down their throats ... even by the Governor. Daniels will win in November by taking this reminder to heart and building together a winning team that minds the details, uses a strategy maximizing all the potential energy of the party in our great state. The Governor delivered one of the best speeches I've ever heard yesterday, now it's time to take this team to the next level.
5 comments:
Some of the "far right conservatives" that you speak of may not be finished "sending a message". Have you forgotten about the independent and libertarian candidates that will most assuredly take votes away from the governor? I think there may be more trouble on the horizon.
Somehow I knew that would come out wrong to some. Here's my point: there was definitely a right wing backlash against the Governor, I saw it and saw the ringleaders who were doing a terrific job.
Eric Miller and his people were right there in the middle too.
I am personally pretty right wing, but I must be odd in that I am willing to lean to the center to make sure we win the elections. I know to some that sounds like prostitution, but I think even Ronald Reagan, our beloved leader, leaned to the center when he needed to pick up a majority.
I have blogged quite consistently here and on Hooisers for McCain that winning in November is the key.
I can take a little middle of the road politics, as long as we don't end up with Barack ... or Jill Long Thompson.
As for the Ron Paul supporters, and I know you count yourself, I was very impressed that they know the rules and work to democratically challenge the status quo of the party.
That is my biggest problem with this whole teach the governor a lesson thing. The northwest Indiana people were not even thinking about there candidates in the fall. Unfortunately, in todays busy society people don't take the time out of their busy schedules to go and vote they have to have a reason. Jon Costas would have been that reason. These Chairman that did not relay this to their members did an injustice to their candidates.
Also a note on the Ron Paul group it is amazing to me that they can stand there and out and out lie right to your face without even blinking.
The whole time knowing they are trying to pull a fast one.
RepublicansRock,
Your emotions are strong, but as the wise one Yoda said "beware your emotions they will betray"
Sounded cute didn't it?
Great ideas are winning, Mitch Daniels is strong and that was one of the best speeches I've ever heard yesterday, I only wish he had reiterated his cry for Jon Costas to join him. But alas, that wasn't his priority yesterday.
The Ron Paul types are teaching us to take democracy serious, by voting, and understanding the process. I have now had the chance to spend literally hours with my sons explaining the process ... that's my goal.
Have some of you forgotten that Ron Paul is a Republican? Referring to those of us who support his very Republican and conservative ideals as those "Ron Paul types" sends a message that we are the bastards of the party. Let's see, I've never missed voting Republican since I was 18 years old in 1978. I've voted for Ronald Reagan and I've voted for moderate Republicans. I've been a loyal Republican for all of my adult life, and it's disheartending to be disrespected and considered an outcast simply because I voted for Ron Paul. Many Ron Paul supporters didn't crash the party; we've been participants all along. I served as a delegate at my first convention in 1992 as did many other Ron Paul supporters. Paul supporters tend to put principle over politics. In my humble opinion, we need more of that, not less.
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