Posted on 09/20/2005 6:37:39 PM PDT by EternalVigilance
ANAHEIM, CA — Attendees of the state convention of the California GOP were shocked and dismayed to learn that operatives of candidate John Campbell had attempted to move a resolution which threatened with “expulsion from the California Republican Party” any member of the state GOP who “supports, advocates, or assists in any way” the campaign of Congressional candidate “Minuteman” Jim Gilchrist.
Paul Paule, who works closely with advisors of the Campbell campaign, introduced a draft resolution to the Rules Committee against Gilchrist which would have effectually made the State Chairman of the California Republican Party a “Grand Inquisitor” of political conformity.
Gilchrist responded, “My candidacy clearly scares the career politicians because the voters are demanding action to solve our border crisis, and to end the lawlessness of illegal immigration. Unfortunately, establishment elements of the Republican Party have become increasingly hostile to those of us who see illegal immigration as a serious problem – despite the fact that those in the GOP concerned with border security and illegal immigration are polling at over 80%. Some in the Republican Party leadership are more concerned with keeping out conservatives determined to see law enforcement on these critical issues than keeping out illegal aliens themselves – and that is a recipe for electoral disaster.”
During the weekend-long gathering of the Republican Party in Anaheim, Jim Gilchrist, 48th District Congressional Candidate and Minuteman Founder, was warmly welcomed by Republican delegates, and embraced enthusiastically by hundreds of conservative activists. Mr. Gilchrist was repeatedly commended for his patriotism and dedication to America for founding the Minuteman border watch movement. He was greatly encouraged in his campaign efforts to hold the Republican Party accountable to its grassroots -- and its Reagan Platform -- on national security, national sovereignty, and immigration law enforcement.
On Saturday Gilchrist spoke to, among other gatherings, the Republican Hispanic Caucus, the Republican Lawyers Association, and the College Republicans to address border crisis issues and the need for new leadership – and enjoyed a universally favorable response to his appearances. Later he addressed a Minuteman Project Reception, attended by well over 200 supporters of the civilian border watch movement. Jim Gilchrist let Republican rank-and-file know, “If you want to send a message about illegal immigration you don't do it by voting for John Campbell, you do it by voting to put Jim Gilchrist in Congress.”
I have a feeling that there will be alot of us who walk away from the GOP if this insanity continues.
Check this out.
I hope Campbell explains himself the next time he is on Hugh Hewitt's show.
"Support my Republican opponent and you will be expelled from the GOP."
That is one messed up dude.
If Jim Gilchrist wants Republican help, why doesn't Jim Gilcrhist simply join the Republican party and tell Campbell to take a flying leap?
Because the Republican Party is not overly concerned with enforcing immigration laws these days.
I don't get it. If this is true looks like he'd get enough support from the Republican voters to be a shoo-in. Why not run as a Republican?
Hewitt's show is one of the few places Campbell shows up. The only friendly radio host he's got, I guess.
He's been avoiding looking voters in the eye in the district.
Doesn't even show up for ANY of the local community candidate forums.
Stiffs the OC Register, even.
Thinks he's above all that, I guess..and that he can just buy the election.
Thankfully, the voters are going to have something to say about that...
He couldn't, Jim. You have to switch parties three months before an election, I think it is, by law.
He isn't a Republican?
See my last post for the answer to your question.
Sad thing is, there's nowhere to go....Ross "I'm Napolean!" Perot has run his course (Thank God) and it's now proven that a third party scenario sucks.
Well, I guess that's the end of this punk Campbell's political career.
Another reason it is dunderheaded, is that it gives your guy free publicity. Campbell needs a new campaign manager.
Can't see what it matters. This is California. Neither of the candidates is going to win.
That may well be true, but this is a special case.
Gilchrist running and winning as an Independent isn't going to change the makeup of the House one whit in a structural sense. He'll caucus with the Conservative Republicans, and will vote just the way they do on most everything.
But oh, man! The message a Gilchrist victory will send on the immigration issue!
It will lay the premise for the '06 elections, and force a whole lot of unwilling politicians to pay attention.
If a Republican assists a non-Republican, why should that person remain in good standing with the Republican party?
I already did. In June.
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.