Posted on 08/25/2015 6:13:33 AM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
It’s about time I get a chance to write something positive about RPV.
According to Politico, RPV Chairman John Whitbeck and State Central have chosen to stand up to the Trumpkins and their Supreme Leader “The Donald.” RPV, along with the GOP in North Carolina, are considering making all presidential candidates sign a loyalty oath. This measure is being looked at to deter a 3rd party candidacy from billionaire populist candidate Donald Trump. Trump famously said in last month’s GOP Presidential Debate that he could not commit to supporting the eventual party nominee. The measure even has the endorsement of former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.
John Whitbeck, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said the proposal was among many that the organization was considering as it sketches out its ballot access requirements for the 2016 GOP primary. The ultimate decision, he said, would be made by the 84 members who comprise the state party’s central committee, which is slated to meet on Sept. 19. The requirements must be submitted to the Republican National Committee by Oct. 1.
If implemented, Whitbeck said, the provision would be similar to ones the party adopted for statewide races held in 2013 and 2014.
The Virginia proposal has earned the support of Ken Cuccinelli, the state’s former attorney general and 2013 gubernatorial nominee, who has been promoting the idea to members of the state party central committee. He has also been in touch with Whitbeck.
“Anybody who wants to seek the Republican nomination should have to commit to supporting the ultimate Republican nominee,” Cuccinelli said in a Monday interview. “I don’t see anything wrong with that.”
Virginia already has so-called “sore-loser laws” on the books that do not allow candidates to run as an independent after they have lost a party nomination process. This is similar to other laws across the country that bar candidates from running as an independent after running in a primary. So this is more about putting Trump on the spot than stopping a third party run.
This isn’t something new. Even as far back as the 1960s, party officials debated adding loyalty oaths to primary campaigns to deter party fractures from those who couldn’t win a nomination process.
I’ve been harsh, to say the least, about Chairman Whitbeck’s helm of the gavel of RPV. I have real problems with our party here in Virginia. But this is one of those times where I can tip my hat to the Chairman, who is doing what’s right for the GOP voters of the Commonwealth, and for the nation. This is the best example of his putting his “Republican first” slogan into action.
There are still issues the party needs to address, but this is a step in the right direction. One can only wonder how the Trumpkins and the “Conservative Fellowship” will respond to this maneuver – but hopefully since both RPV and the Cuccinelli apparatus are in favor, this will be a relatively non-controversial move within the party. Regardless, this policy will effectively ensure that Virginia Republicans get to choose an ACTUAL Republican for President, not just a rich narcissist who claims to be a Republican.
When Trump gets wind of this he may just decide to walk away from the GOP and go third party.
I’m not crazy about Trump, Cruz is my guy, but I wouldn’t blame him at all. The GOP has been one giant failure to the voters that put them in office.
Wow, Liz, what a laundry list of republican victories. I don’t recall seeing your posts before, but you are informed. Thanks.
“..a rich narcissist who claims to be a Republican.”
That’s a very accurate assessment of Trump.
Too bad the author of the article didn’t insert “bloviating” beteen “rich” and “narcissist”.
Isn’t it interesting: they are counting on Trump’s honesty, while all but calling him dishonest in all his positions. If I was Trump, I’d say, “Sure, I’ll sign your agreement.” Let them worry about whether he means it.
There is a big difference between not running 3rd Party, and pledging to SUPPORT the nominee (even if you think he's a bad choice).
Exactly
I actually would side with Trump in theory. I really don’t care who is a “real” Republican.
Trump with his supporters have the wherewithal to form a permanent third party which would destroy the Republican Party in short order.
Trump would be insane to take that loyalty oath.
Sure as hell Jeb Bush and Lindsey Graham won’t be supporting HIM if he is the nominee.
The threat to go rogue is the only leverage he has against GOPe dirty tricks. He should sue both parties on First Amendment grounds. Failing that, take his money and start the third-party ticket TODAY. I have a feeling most voters will be with him.
Liz is informed and organized. Go to user search and pull up her posts. Better than any book you will read
She is one of the very best FR researchers and minds
He'll sign theirs if they'll sign his.
Checkmate.
(Blush).
Such desperation.....sure to backfire. The more GOP pulls this carp the better Trump does ;)
It is basically true. But again, even as a non Trumper I really don’t care if he is a real Republican. Last I checked, they didn’t really have any principles. I don’t really want to see him go third party either though
GOOD LORD.
Texas too.
You know, I'm rapidly coming to the conclusion that the Republican brand name is too far gone to redeem.
Good. The hell with you establishment RINO bastards. Roast in hell, you liberal monkeys.
After all the corruption in the GOPe party and they think they are SO IMPORTANT to demand that anyone in ‘their’ party has to do anything is beyond the most insane act of life...
This might be the ‘good old boys club’ and it might be a ‘private club’ but guess what little boys, WE the PEOPLE are the ones that VOTE for your corruption!!! and if we decide we won't stand for this, you have NO VOTES, your life is OVER, no MONEY, no POWER....this time in elections WE DESIDE!!!
No need to be insulting. Republicans have high principles, the RINOs use them for toilet paper.
Trump should campaign as a write-in in any state that does this.
Dear RPV and other states who are considering a “loyalty oath”
This is an exceptional idea!! The candidates should be loyal to the Republican Party and vice-a-versa. So then, while the candidates are signing their oaths you can sign your oaths by making ALL primaries closed. If you are going to require the candidates to support the ultimate nominee of the GOP, shouldn’t that nominee be chosen by the GOP and not independents and democrats?
Then don't join a political party, don't run or vote in their primaries. There is no constitutional right to you being able to be a Republican. And as much as many people here say they hate the Republican Party, there is a simple answer - go away.
If you are going to use a political parties infrastructure to either run or promote a candidate, the least they can expect you to do is vote for it's eventual nominee and not run a sore loser indie campaign if you or your preferred candidate is defeated in the primary.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.