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BUMP!

Now let’s see if the clueless GOP takes a hint and backs these outstanding candidates this time around. Or if they prop up more establishment RINO’s against them. I’m not harboring much faith.

I wrote about this tactic of the GOP in 2006.

"We see small stories coming to light here and there, stories about Republican leaders ignoring some of their most qualified candidates in favor of those who agree to “play the game.” It’s the GOP Harris-ment factor. As a result, in race after race, we’re getting the same old stale career politicians, with little or no real world experience, being proffered as candidates, as career politicians use these races to advance their own political careers."

"Instead of getting candidates with new perspectives and fresh points of view, we end up having to decide whether we will cast a vote for the lesser of two evils, or just stay home and not vote on election day. Republicans used to embrace these fresh candidates; now they’re seen as a threat to the status quo."

(read my full March 23, 2006 editorial "Is The GOP Harris-ing Good Candidates?" at kerrythomas.com)

and I wrote a follow-up after the 2008 elections:

"The Wisconsin GOP is in DESPERATE need of new leadership."

"Clearly, the pecking order system, which rewards loyal Republicans with favorable party status, while treating those who violate the pecking order system with contempt, the pecking order embraced by Wisconsin’s GOP doesn’t work very well. If we continue to use that process behind the scenes to select our candidates, it won’t be pretty."

"The RPW leadership needs to realize what we all know. Principled people with good ideas should be encouraged, not shunned, regardless of their prior experience."

(read my full November 6, 2008 editorial "Not Again, John" at kerrythomas.com)