It's not often that I agree with the editorial page of The Red Star, but this time I do. It concerns the Illinois Republican Party. It isn't enough that they reportedly refused to stand by their candidate when he was facing a scandal he could've easily weathered. Or that they've been dragging their feet for 6 weeks to come up with a replacement. (Meanwhile, the Democrat's candidate, Barrick Obama, was busy being lionized at the national level.)
They've finally managed to irredeemably screw up the election. Instead of choosing a Republican from one of the potentially electable ones who actually lives in the state, they've chosen one who currently lives in Maryland.
But wait, there's more...the candidate they've chosen, Alan Keyes, is on record as opposing a Hillary-style campaign where the candidate doesn't actually live in the state that they are hoping to represent.
The Registar Star even comes up with a conclusion that I find difficult to argue against,
Coming on the heels of the George Ryan and Jack Ryan scandals, the choice of an out-of-stater makes the Illinois GOP hierarchy a national laughingstock. It sends the message that this scandal-ridden state party organization is in such bad shape that it can't even find a decent candidate from its own ranks.Perhaps this answers the question about why I never donate directly to the Republican Party. Posted by jdmays at August 7, 2004 04:27 PM | TrackBack
"It isn't enough that they reportedly refused to stand by their candidate when he was facing a scandal he could've easily weathered."
erm... they did stand by him. Right up to that point where they discovered he had lied to them.
I'll agree this states' party organization has big problems. Basically too many of the players are indistinguishable from dems.
Keyes doesn't have that specific disability. Yeah, he's got problems. I think he's the best bet to get President Bush more support for that tax change though. Maybe even get some really crappy stuff addressed right here (are you aware there is no age restriction, nor parental notice restriction for abortions here?). I'm going to throw my support behind him, despite the party problems here. Maybe *because* of the party problems here.
Posted by: Deb at August 7, 2004 05:25 PMDeb,
The IL RNC only gave him token support while behind the scenes I believe they let him hang out to dry. Not to mention the fact that when a candidate approaches you and has been through a divorce, any moron would think to check out the circumstances. Yet they didn't. Did he lie to them or did anyone just not ask him some tough questions?
I don't have a problem with Alan Keyes. In fact, I kind of like him and I'll gladly support him over Obama. However, it's disturbing to me that he's willing to sacrifice his principles for a shot at the office.
-jdm.
PS: I didn't vote for Ryan in the Primary either and I think his response to the scandal was pathetic. He deserves to be out of the race.
-jdm
It's hard to say what really happened with Ryan. There is no real Republican party in Illinois - it is simply pathetic - they pretty much cede everything to the Democrats. Although when the Republicans do win, I don't see much difference... oh well.
Personally, if the candidacy is legal - I guess that works for me. I didn't have the problem a lot of people had with Hillary running in NY. It was legal, so if they want to be moronic enough to elect her, they deserve what they get.
I know it won't make any difference who the Republicans put out there - they'll lose. I personally can NOT vote for Obama, when I start listening to him talk, my skin starts to crawl - just like with Dick Durbin. The things that so reasonably come out of their mouths... it's just scary!!!
Posted by: Teresa at August 7, 2004 10:52 PMJD: If you are registered for the Chicago Trib, try this link. The last paragraph is where Topinka tells that she asked Jack, he said no and his word was enough for her.
Teresa: I know how you feel about Obama. I imagine him diving into a vat of vaseline each day before he goes out to greet the world.
Posted by: Deb at August 7, 2004 11:21 PMIt's not clear that Keyes is sacrificing any principles. See the comments on this post for a plausible reconstruction of honorable motives that Keyes might have.
Posted by: Jeremy Pierce at August 8, 2004 02:35 PM