Yes Wade, Pete and Jennifer, there is a voice for moderate Republicans
by David Safier
In a Star article I linked to yesterday about the domination of the far right in the Arizona Republican Party, Wade McLean, who came in third in the LD26 Republican primary, said he was shut out at many Republican events he attended.
"There was no voice for the moderate," McLean said. "My biggest hurdle was I was not conservative enough for the Republican Party."
Yes Wade, there is a voice for moderate Republican.
And, to be more inclusive: Yes, Pete Hershberger and Jennifer Burns and others who feel their party has taken leave of its senses, there is a voice for moderate Republicans. It is to speak the truth, out loud.
Here are two statements you might make, one careful, one bolder:
- As a proud Republican, I cannot endorse and will not vote for candidates such as [fill in the blank] because of their extreme right wing, anti-education agenda [etc.].
- As a proud Republican, I will not vote for [fill in the blank] because of their extreme right wing, anti-education agenda [etc.]. Instead I will be voting for [fill in the Democratic candidates].
Pete Hershberger was called all kinds of names publicly by Vic Williams for supporting Wade McLean. Why should Hershberger feel he has to bite his fist and remain silent? Burns and McLean have also earned the scorn of their party. Why reward Russell Pearce and his minions by sitting on the sidelines during this election?
The extreme right wing has gained power by being fearless, while others, moderate Republicans as well as Democrats, have been cautious. If moderates want to have a place in their party, they have to be leaders who say, "If I don't fit your version of Republican, I'll rally my supporters to deny you their votes." If the right wing loses a few elections because of your brave stands, you may gain standing in your party once again.
Being moderate means you don't lean left or right. It doesn't mean you have to moderate your voice when feel strongly on an issue — or an election.
In a very real sense, the future of Arizona is in your hands. If you sit quietly by, you have to share the blame for the results.
I understand Jim Kolbe is retired and has nothing to lose right now, so you don't have to go Full Kolbe, but he just wrote an email for Andrei Cherny which begins,
I served as a Republican in Congress representing Arizona for over 22 years, as a Republican in the Arizona state legislature for 6 before that, and I’m still a proud Republican. I’ve never endorsed a Democrat for any office other than local ones. But as we find ourselves in a worsening fiscal crisis, we need to have the most qualified people in leadership positions and there is no doubt in my mind that Andrei Cherny is the right person for State Treasurer.
Without any hesitation, I not only endorse Andrei, but am joining his campaign as its Chair.
You can read the whole email below the fold.
Remembering Hurricane Katrina
Update: The Billionaire Base of the GOP
Think GOP Attacks on Birthright Citizenship is a Recent Aberration? Think Again.
Extreme Makeover: Jesse Kelly morphing into Sharron Angle
John Thrasher (CD 2): Why I’m running for Congress
Tea Party Fuzzy Math
