I only became a Republican after I switched over from my Dummocrat for a Day gambit in 2008 calling for R's to vote for Hillary Clinton and run out the Democrat primary a bit longer. Rush Limbaugh thinks he started it, but I was either first or tied with him. The Boston Globe and the New York Times gave me credit but I digress. I was an Independent before this. A conservative for sure, but a registered Independent. Had been for years. It was a hold over from my journalism days and I didn't see a need to change it. However after voting for Hillary Clinton as a joke I decided I would become a respectable R and by doing so embolden squishy Independents to declare themselves if for no other reason than to swell the voter registration numbers in Oregon.
But the internecine rivalries are getting wearisome. I'm weary of the
Republican
Regulars dissing the Tea Party and the Ron Paulistas going after the Regulars when their candidate has declared he's out of the race...
After drumming out Matt Wingard for his womanizing ways and then blowing out the conservative, pro life woman who wanted to replace him with a male political neophyte, I'm more perplexed. This experienced pol was drummed out because she had at one time dated Matt Wingard. Someone inside the Republican Party made sure that made the news. All of sudden, the odds on favorite to win the right to run for Wingard's seat, Lindsay Berschauer, was buried by a guy only a few insiders in the party had ever heard of. See my posts about this and similar episodes here and here.
The jihad against Representative Julie Parrish is just getting warmed up. She was mentored by Wingard and groomed for leadership--you know, the way the party is supposed to work. But will this connection doom her aspirations for a legislative leadership post?
The able, competent, self-made businesswoman from West Linn was running alone for a leadership post before another newbie to the legislature Mike McLane from Bend jumped in. I wonder, was he recruited by anti Wingard forces too?
Katie Eyre is in the cross hairs of the Republican Regulars, too. Will they drum her out because the State Representative knew Matt Wingard and replace her with someone who didn't know him?
Are they only going after women? If so, why?
I thought Julie Parrish and Mike McLane were elected at the same time. Why are we giving her credit we won't give Mike McLane? They are both newbies and have an equal shot. Mike is a great legislator and a good Republican. I understand Parrish is not a fan of guns, a self-professed atheist, and not pro-life. That may not disqualify her from being a Republican but she is certainly not in line with the base. Mike McLane might be a better fit frankly. May the best person win.
ReplyDeleteAlso what is wrong with John Davis? He is highly qualified. No offense to Lindsay B but the only reason she was "favorite to win" is because she was the first to announce. They are both pro-life, and agree on many issues. John has no baggage, Lindsay has some. That's the way of politics. She had a fair shot, the PCP's overwhelmingly liked John, he went out of his way to meet them.
Brendan Monaghan here. I don't always make comments. But when I do, I identify myself.
DeleteStay classy, 308660ba-d02f-11e1-9db4-000bcdcb8a73.
To set the record straight, I am proud to have an A+ rating with the NRA, who has endorsed me for two cycles in a row, even though I don't personally own a firearm.
ReplyDeleteAs a baptized Presbyterian, my family has a longstanding history at First Presbyterian Church on 13th and Alder. To suggest that I am a "self-professed atheist" is not only untruthful, but it disrepects my family's faith.
Sincerely,
Julie Parrish
State Representative, HD37
That is your families faith, but are you yourself a believing Christian - a Presbyterian? You do not identify a faith anywhere that I can find unless you are saying now you are a Presbyterian, a believer in God and Christ. I understand you do not own or like firearms. I am glad to hear you do not let your personal beliefs on guns get in the way of your voting! That is good.
ReplyDeleteYou did not respond to your being pro-choice? It may not be a disqualifying belief but it is different from Rep. McClane. That is all I'm saying.
I'm pro life, a Christian and pro constitution--including the second amendment--but you're just confirming the purity test to which I alluded, "I understand Parrish is not a fan of guns, a self-professed atheist, and not pro-life."
DeleteI'd like to row the boat together, not at cross purposes. I'd like to win some of these fights, not work at cross purposes, but Anonymous Number, you make it difficult.
Let's see now, I have my name written down on my post and my comments, Julie Parrish does too. What's wrong with the people who comment anonymously here?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the other candidates are just fine by the way.
Will you be voting for Mitt Romney Anonymous posters?
ReplyDeleteWhat is with this purity test?
ReplyDeleteI thought the Rs were supposed to be the big tent!
thanks
JK
Well, Jim, I don't know what happened to that.
Delete