Some in GOP push for test of loyalty
Posted on 06/04/2002 6:54:36 AM PDT by MeekOneGOP
Some in GOP push for test of loyalty
Critics say plan will fracture strength of Republicans in state
06/04/2002
AUSTIN - Supporters of a political purity test plan to bear a distinctive logo at this week's state GOP convention aimed at ridding the party of what they call RINOs - Republicans in Name Only.
The logo featuring a slash through the word RINO will appear on signs, buttons and brochures to illustrate a demand that candidates pledge allegiance to the party platform as a requirement to be on the ballot.
"I am sick and tired of Texas Republicans going to Austin and Washington and not representing Texas Republican values as enunciated in the platform," said David Carter, a delegate from Nederland.
Robert X. Johnson of San Antonio, who is leading the effort, says the party should set a rigorous standard for candidates to keep moderates off the ticket.
Opponents warn that such a litmus test would hurt the party, noting that George W. Bush and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison didn't agree with everything in past state platforms.
Mr. Bush dismissed questions about the state party platform during his 1998 re-election race, saying he hadn't read it.
Delegates to the state GOP convention convening Friday in Dallas will consider a proposal to require all GOP candidates to accept the platform's "core principles" and put into writing whether they agree with each plank.
In the platform adopted two years ago, the party advocated returning to the gold standard, getting out of the United Nations, denying the custody of children to homosexuals and outlawing abortion without exceptions such as to save the life of the woman.
State Republican Party Chairman Susan Weddington called the effort "misguided" and said past attempts to impose an ideological litmus test on candidates have failed.
"I expect the same results with this effort," Mrs. Weddington said. "At the end of the day, the vast majority of Republicans believe strongly in candidates campaigning in an open process."
The proposal has sparked a vigorous debate among delegates, including a furious e-mail exchange among the party faithful over whether such a rule would be advisable or even legal.
"I'm 110 percent in favor of ridding the GOP of every single RINO," Mark Wallace of Austin wrote in an e-mail forum on the issue. "They have infiltrated our party over the years like Trojan horses."
David Astwood of San Antonio wrote that the requirement "will definitely discourage closet Democrats and liberals from leaving their losing party and empty causes and joining our party."
Other delegates who oppose the rule say the party should be more inclusive if it wants to grow.
"I know of no better way to make Republican candidates look less legitimate than by making them publicly display a laundry list of any disagreements within the party," said Kurt Hyde, a delegate from Denton County.
"For heaven sake," wrote Sue Karcher of Rockport, "why aren't you spending your time trying to make the Republican Party of Texas more inclusive and welcoming instead of trying to keep people out?"
Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Southern Methodist University, said such intramural squabbling among the party faithful usually has little impact on regular voters.
"This is a debate about who's most faithful," Mr. Jillson said.
"Parties are for the purists, the people who care a lot and work hard," he said. "These are the sweat on the brow, 'I care to the depth of my soul about these issues' people. So they develop platforms that really can't stand public scrutiny and exposure."
Mrs. Weddington sought to play down the fight, saying the party was going into the convention united and optimistic that it would hold all 28 statewide offices, control the Legislature and win down-ballot contests.
"As often happens," she said, "it's the bad kids who get the most attention, and all the good kids get forgotten."
E-mail wslater@dallasnews.com
Many of us feel the same way.
If a return to the gold standard is a "core" idea which Republican's are required to advocate, 20% may be generous. Withdrawl from the UN probably drops under 20% as well.
To me, the most important "core" value would involve a candidate elucidating his values and ideas to voters, then sticking to them. R's don't need to be held to a shopping list of "values" as do the dems.
If you insist on being rational it will only serve to confuse me! ;-)
You'd be right if you guessed McCain. But, since this is not an election year for McCain, they are going to focus on RINO Rep. Jim Kolbe. See this thread for more info.
Otherwise known as The Unappeaseables, this group wants to start kicking people out of the party because they don't tow the line 100%.
Reminds me of some members of my Catholic Church. They want the Pope to start excommunicating massive numbers of people because they're sinners.
Of course, they would be the only ones left.
I've held my nose and pulled the lever many times. I didnt hold my nose with Bush, I really thought he'd make a great president but he's turned out to do more to devolve conservatism than any RAT could have.
After holding your nose enough times you reach the point of diminishing returns. It's gotten to the point where what used to be my "party" is becoming part of the problem instead of part of the solution. I'd swear over the last year or so the bastards are working for the other side.
It's like in war. If your vehicles or supplies are going to fall into the hands you destroy them. If the GOP is here to give us a larger, more intrusive government that ignores the constitution and brings us more quasi (or real) socialism BURN IT DOWN
But that's just me.
Lots of fools and idiots babbling these days.
Last year in Dallas, I heard Keyes speak...and he pissed off so many FReepers...but you know...he was right...he said that when GW sold out to the embryo research...he compromised his principles...and you know...Keyes was right...GW has sold us out...right on down the line...in the name of WHAT?
What is he doing? He has "slapped" every Texan in the face, he has spit on every conservative, he has stolen the votes of Republicans...
WHO in their RIGHT mind is gonna DEFEND this, justify this and or ACCEPT this???
Seems to me the trip to Dallas and the Republican Convention is going to be a waste of MY time, money, patience, and principles!
Hell I may go out and start supporting the DINOS...at least I THINK they support me! HA!
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