“Ahh.. Gary Poland(sic it is Polland) wasn’t marginalized by the party because he was Conservative, on the contrary, it was because he supported liberal Democrat Al Green. Polland was also criticized by Conservatives because of his McCain like desire to reach across the isle (Polland called it “ideological issue allies”). He is one of those who complains about abandoning Conservative ideals to fat cats then at the same time, tries to make a ‘big tent’ party comprised of all his ‘thin cat’ friends, no matter if they are Conservative.”
I must disagree based on Gary Polland’s years of service [yea—I can’t spell]. I do not live in Harris County today, but I did from 1974 until 1999. We all know from the 2004 race that Gary gave money to Al Green, of course that was in the Democratic Primary race against Chris Bell, in a district that is guaranteed to have a Democratic winner. Why? I do not know. Maybe they were friends. Who knows? I have old friends from school who, unfortunately, are Democrats, and if one were to run in a primary, I would send him my support.
But to call Gary a liberal, or even a moderate McCain-type conservative ignores a mountain of evidence and years of work for conservative causes. Put in context, when Gary was referring to “ideological issue allies”, he made that comment within a broad discussion of the lack of growth within the Republican Party and how Texas Democrats were dominating minority votes. He was not talking about compromising conservative values. His writings say just the opposite. In fact, here is where he made that comment:
“So what should be done to right the ship? First, work needs to begin yesterday to grow the GOP. It is important to find ideological issue allies and bring them into the party and give them a seat at the table. Second, our base needs to KNOW they are important and are listened to. Now, the party is treated many times as a vehicle to be put in the garage after one is elected (only to be brought out for the next election). This can be remedied by the adoption of a short and understandable conservative state and local platform that candidates must pledge to support. Once in office, the party must hold those officials accountable. And for those who don’t stand with the party on the core platform (a single page of 6-10 items), need to be separated from the party in the future.”
Didn't call Gary a liberal, but he is in the McCain camp. He actually works for the McCain campaign.