Primary election night is now coming to an end. The usual suspects are winning. Here are some of my observations:
Matt Salisbury's candidacy seemed to show him as a very nice man with a lot to learn about fighting in a political race. - Larry LaRocco's candidacy all but over-balances Salisbury's lack of fight...though opposing two seperate candidates.
- Jim Risch's comments regarding his planned passivity against Larry LaRocco's pending political perfect storm seem a little overly nice. Not sure why he feels the kinder and gentler approach is needed for the November 08 election, but he does.
- Butch Otter, though not a candidate tonight, suffered some large set backs by seeing legislators whom he appointed go down in flames.
- Kirk Sullivan, GOP Chair, is fighting for his position against former Senate Majority Leader Rod Beck. This ought to be a blood-fest. Think Fight Club on a 'roid rage.
- Bill Sali did a tremendous job in this primary against a fresh face. He was encouraging to his opponent- so much so that Matt Sali-sbury stated he'd be the first one to slap on a "Sali for Congress" sticker (heck, just cut his signs in half.)
- The reporters did a fine job of keeping the "Decision '08" interesting, and yet surprisingly Wisconsin-esque. (Think cheese...tee-hee)
- Crossovers happened- there is no question about it. The GOP has a right to close its primary and SHOULD. Watch the GOP convention this summer. It'll be key to uniting conservatives- not just for Nov. '08, but for May '10. This is a forward thinking fight.
- The thin crowd at the GOP victory party was interesting to watch. Saw a bunch of lobbyists and political hangers-on. It was like watching a 1970's disco band reunion-
you knew the faces, you kind of knew the music- but weren't sure you liked either. - The Idaho GOP needs to man up and give a reason for Idaho voters to vote for its candidates in November. To simply say we're a red state may give a double-meaning to that term. If the Obama-ites (pictured right) effectively use their broad-swords when boarding the USS Idaho, the blood letting will run rich red. Argghhh, said the pirate-ette.
- Finally, is politics all about budgets? If so, let's look for candidates with "green eye shades." How moving- boy I'd follow such a candidate into battle...wouldn't you? So where are the Bravehearts? November 2008 looks to be a contrast between the D's Obama cult of personality and the R's Grumpy Old Man. Are either RFK-like? Are any of our state candidates folks behind whom we would follow with our hearts? I'm thinking passionate politics demands the right type of passion. Obama Girl's passion
I've been in politics since 1968 (Ok, I was only 12 years old.) I've been active as an adult for 30 years. I was an eye witness to Prop. 13 and worked with both authors (Jarvis and Gann.) I helped in the 1980 race for Ronald Reagan. The 1994 Contract with America and ran for US Congress in 2000. What I've learned from all this is that America needs servent leadership- people who have a strong political compass and who are willing to risk it all. Anything less than that and would-be candidates should just go get a secure job at the nearest corporate employer.
But that's just me.
Dennis
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