The Great GOP War...

"MN GOP gets it. They fully support the established process of endorsement. Some however, could give a rat's butt about the endorsement system."

If I were not living it, I would have a tough time believing it. We are involved in a war. No, not with another country. Not with alien invaders. Not even with the Democrats (yet). Nope - we are at war with ourselves. It is a civil war of sorts. And it is philosophical in nature. It is pitting brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, and most importantly, the party against the "machine".

What do I mean by "machine"? Like in a Terminator movie? Not a bit. I am talking about the heartbeat of cronyism. The "good old boys (and girls) club", the party apparatchik. And this war causes good people to do some very bad things. Like lie. Go back on their word. Put selfish interest in front of grass roots loyalty.

Look, I am very okay with having some family squabbles. Every family has them. It is okay to squabble if we can respectfully disagree, and then move on. MN GOP gets it. They fully support the established process of endorsement. Some however, could give a rat's butt about the endorsement system. Some like it as long as they get the endorsement. If for some reason they do not receive the endorsement, then it like the old saying -"Every man (or woman) for themselves." 

Here is an interesting story. Earlier in the week we had a fundraiser for our endorsed candidates in this neck of the woods. I invited many representatives to join us. Some came, and added their support to the candidates. However, many I invited are caught up in the system, or the "machine". I received some of the lamest excuses imaginable for not coming. And it was all because of one reason. The "machine" wants Tom Hackbarth (HD 31B) back. The people, through the endorsement process, want Cal Bahr. And that is where the war is being fought.

What do I want? First off, I want to follow an established system. Currently, our established system is the endorsement process. If enough people think it is antiquated and should be replaced by something else, let's vote on it. Until that happens, I will support the endorsement process.

Next, I fully expect, no I demand, that party leadership follow in the footsteps of MN GOP. No more going "rogue" - get in line to support our endorsed candidates. Tom Hackbarth should be shunned by EVERYONE in the party for being a turncoat. For not being true to his word. I cannot believe how deep the wounds have become in this BPOU just because of one man taking some very, very bad advice and then making a very, very bad decision.

How serious is this division within the party? Serious enough it could cost us the House and keep us from gaining a majority in the Senate. Could keep us out of the Governor's house (again).

What is the old saying? United we stand, divided we fall. Well some in the party have fallen for a mirage instead of following principle. And that is what is going to sell us short.