What I want in a MDGOP Chair
The reason this post may seem a little disjointed and out of context is because it's in response to a post by Joe Steffen at his Darkness Rising blog. I wouldn't say he was ecstatic about Jim Pelura resigning as party head but he certainly wasn't too far from the front of the victory parade - right up there with the state party insiders, certain members of the General Assembly, and most of the other Red Maryland writers.
I actually wanted to clarify to a previous commenter that Pelura's resignation wasn't immediate but you know me, I get started and once I'm rolling I may as well finish the job.
Actually, Pelura isn't technically out until November 14th, the date of the party's fall convention.
I'm going to be one of those who will certainly be kissed up to by would-be Chairs because I actually have a vote in the process (I'm on the Central Committee in Wicomico County.) So here's what I want from a new Chair.
- Someone who gives a damn about the parts of Maryland where people actually vote Republican and doesn't just represent the I-95 corridor. I know Chris Cavey wants to meet with us NOW - but where was he the last three years? Jim Pelura came down to visit us twice and was good enough to speak at our Lincoln Day dinner. I know, in Annapolis that and 5 bucks might get you a cup of coffee but to us out in the sticks little things like that mean a lot.
- Yes, our party has a debt. It seems to me that the fundraiser who now works for AFP wasn't too well liked by a lot of people who would be considered the "in" crowd among the party - so he left. That was a big help, huh? Guess whoever wins better have a plan to pay off the debt - as I recall there was enough left in the line of credit to satisfy the total so actually as settled this isn't a bad deal for the party.
- (This may be most important) - someone with the stones to stand up to Bob Ehrlich and tell him to go or get off the pot. Frankly, I'm tired of him fiddling while Rome is burning.
Whoever can convince me he or she will do the best job of doing that has the greatest chance at getting my vote. And I don't have a bad bully pulpit either.
A little over the top? Perhaps, but I'm passionate about my beliefs and believe that this whole anti-Pelura backlash served for nothing more than embarassing (and gleeful) headlines in the state's media. Hey, those column inches we devote to GOP infighting are much better used for that than actual investigative reporting as to why Governor O'Malley can't make a budget or guess the amount of revenue coming in properly. (Maybe it's because he raised taxes but didn't cut spending? Naaaaahhhh...)
Steffen also decided to poke a little fun at Daniel " The (formerly Wig, but now)Whig Man" Vovak, who's already jumped into the fray. I think if he matches his vote total in his 2006 U.S. Senate run for this election he might win. But moreso Joe shilled for Chris Cavey and to me that guy has a lot of 'splainin to do before he gets my vote. Then again, so does everyone else.
Crossposted on monoblogue.
3 comments:
I was not ecstatic by Jim's resignation though I think it was the right thing for him to do even if unfair. The backbiters who want to take over better get the job done.
As for Ehrlich, I feel your frustration but no one is going to be successful leading the MDGOP and feuding with the Ehrlich camp, ask Jim.
You mentioned Cavey and Vovak and hinted at Andrew Langer (I think). How about Chuck Gast, Dirk Haire or some of the other potential candidates? Let's have a real discussion and name names.
I don't have the vote you do.
Well, trust me, I'd like some names too.
I think the convention is going to be most interesting and the host hotel may as well figure on any and all hospitality suites being booked up.
My guess is that we will have two or three possible aspirants because some will back out beforehand.
If my memory is correct you need a nomination from the floor and seconding and at any point there can be a motion to close nominations so there needs to be enough support for anyone beyond the second or third person to prevent that from happening after the first one or two are nominated.
I think you're on the right track with your criteria, though under the circumstances, fundraising has to go first, and when I say fundraising, I mean a proven record of successful fundraising, and a clear and convincing plan for how to proceed going forward. As for the criteria you put first, the chair needs to be commited to the whole state, and showing up at events in every county, red, blue, or purple, east, central, or west. In many cases the folks you've never seen in Wicomico, we've also never seen in "places in the I-95 coridor" or "places that don't vote Republican"
Post a Comment