Posted on 09/10/2002 8:24:07 AM PDT by Behind Liberal Lines
Political groups often engage in elaborate dances between "establishment" and "challenger" factions. Today is primary day and only one race (in the Finger Lakes Region of NY) is interesting: David Walrath and Sherwood Boehlert in the 24th Congressional District.
I agree real issues are sadly lacking in most campaigns, but if we don't like the soap they are selling, it's up to us to stop buying. Other races, such as Andrew Cuomo's and H. Carl McCall's fight for the Democrat nomination for governor, are over. Tom Golisano's independent bid to unseat Gov. George Pataki is interesting only because he follows the political blueprint left by Charles Foster Kane
What is happening here? Look closely and you will see the problem is voter gullibility. Citizens like their "pork" but hate when others receive it. Establishment politicians can buy votes with well-timed giveaways, while challengers must reason their way to victory.
The Republican congressional primary is a classic example of a rich centrist vs. a poorly financed conservative. Sherwood Boehlert is new to this area, but brings with him all the slickness of Bill Clinton. He also brings an establishment "spin machine." Promises of "pork" are made from others for our benefit.
Lengthy congressional service alone should be grounds for dismissal, but when I hear Boehlert claim David Walrath is against clean air and children, I know he studied at Clinton University. Boehlert has made Al Gore-like environmentalism the cornerstone of his campaign. Those who still believe in man-made ozone holes beg to have their judgment questioned.
There has been a conservative shift in the Republican Party. More are questioning the sacred, failed programs of the left, but locally, this change is in danger because of jovial Santas in fake Republican suits. In politics, it is not enough to berate one's opponent, one must give positive reasons for others to vote for you. Here is a doozy to vote for Dr. Walrath: He is a Constitutionalist - all else flows from this foundation. Liberals hate this.
Voters have no right to decry "politics as usual" while sending the same people back to Washington. The "what's-in-it-for-me" attitude is killing our country.
http://www.walrathforcongress.com
When people keep hearing that message, it's a small wonder that they always do the bidding of corrupt pols. I've seriously been thinking about putting ads in the local papers saying something like "DON'T VOTE! if you don't care enough to know about what's going on in government. Leave the job of running the country to those of us who do care."
Two years ago, Boehlert won by just 3,000 votes against a challenger who spent very little money. This time the challenger has spent more money and has some backing. My parents received recommensations to vote for Walrath from the NRA and Right to Life last week. Also the Cayuga county Republicans voted to support Walrath, rather than the incumbent. This support could be enough to oust the rino.
Keep me updated on results please. Thanks.
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