This Must Scare the Crap out of the GOP Establishment
Throughout the country members of the Tea Party are actively working to take over the party from the grass roots level. “We kind of changed the rules,” said Anastasia Przybylski, one of the organizers.
HOLLAND, Pa. — The Tea Party movement ignited a year ago, fueled by anti-establishment anger. Now, Tea Party activists are trying to take over the establishment, ground up.
Across the country, they are signing up to be Republican precinct leaders, a position so low-level that it often remains vacant, but which comes with the ability to vote for the party executives who endorse candidates, approve platforms and decide where the party spends money.
A new group called the National Precinct Alliance says it has a coordinator in nearly every state to recruit Tea Party activists to fill the positions and has already swelled the number of like-minded members in Republican Party committees in Arizona and Nevada. Its mantra is this: take the precinct, take the state, take the party — and force it to nominate conservatives rather than people they see as liberals in Republican clothing.
Here, in a perennial battleground district outside Philadelphia, Tea Party activists are trying to strip the local committee of its influence in choosing the Republican nominee to run against Representative Patrick J. Murphy, a Democrat who won the seat in 2006 by about 1,500 votes.
After the local party said it would stick to its custom of endorsing a candidate rather than holding an open primary, Tea Party groups decided to hold their own candidate forum where people could cast a ballot. If the party does not yield, the groups say they will host a debate, too.
(snip)
Conservatives took the Republican retreat as a victory, but also saw the power of the party structure in deciding who the candidates will be. The rallying cry for more local involvement has been “No more NY-23’s.”
“We don’t want to see what happened in New York happen here,” Ms. Przybylski said.
The forum here drew nine candidates and a standing-room crowd in an auditorium built for 1,200. The questions organizers had drawn up for the candidates hinted at the issues important to so called Teapublicans.
Imagine what it’s going to be like when Tea Party members really get organized.
Hat tip: New York Times
“Michele, I think it’s your turn to pour.”
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? ON SUICIDE WATCH !!!
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Michael, enjoy your job while it lasts.
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(OT)
Johnathan Hunt: No coordinated effort on the island, coordination needed asap, nation slipping, what little help is going toward western based hotels and not the poor, “violance is coming, peace will expire in 24 hr!”.
It’s funny to watch Shep try to calm down Johnathan hunt say that it takes time to get things there and that support is on the way, hunt acting like shep did during katrina. Oh the irony.
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KH, you might want to take a look at this if you do any training or group demos. And yes it does work with Winders.
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Here is a WSJ article on US Haitian relief. link. USS Higgins is already on station.
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I generally use livestream for demo’s from my desktop now but that looks interesting thanks!
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Back to the Post. I wonder if peripherally that is why the Tea Party convention will be under cloak? Get initial planning down before GOP upper mgt gets wise? Then by the time they do its too late.
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Brown’s campaign seems to be galvanizing the country!
GOP money, troops pour into Massachusetts — Politico
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43\46 Boxer ( Ras.)
Carly with-in 3 points in CA!
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drdog09 -
They have been quite frank about having sessions on training and organizing in Nashville, which is why I believe the GOP elitists and Erick Erickson and the folks at Pajamas Media are so bent out of shape that Sarah Palin has snubbed C-PAC for the Tea Party Convention.
It looks like a battle for the heart of the GOP is brewing and Sarah and Michele Bachmann have decided to cast their lot with the “unwashed masses.”
I usually don’t get a chance to listen to Rush Limbaugh, but this afternoon was an exception as I was in the car. He was cautioning against a third party movement and was exhorting his listeners to work within the GOP.
A turnout of 1.200 in the Philadelphia suburbs is not too shabby.
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9 – Caveat that survey was only ~500LV size sample, rather small.
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KH, Boxer losing is one of the signs of the Apocalypse…so we’ll know it’s divine intervention if it happens!
If Boxer loses who would THEN be the biggest waste of space in the Senate?? (Babs has held the “trophy” so long it’s grown into her desk!)
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KH -
Yhat’s good news because Carly and Brown are about as good as we can do in CA and MA. We need to elect rock solid conservatives in states like Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada and Utah. In red states, representation by RINOs is not acceptable.
I just wish Debbie Stabenow was up in Michigan this year.
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If Boxer loses who would THEN be the biggest waste of space in the Senate?? (Babs has held the “trophy” so long it’s grown into her desk!)
Kerry, Durban, Feinstein, Murray or perhaps Lucy Graham.
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12. SCHUMER !!
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O/T…but one of Mark Steyn’s best! Enjoy:
http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/educated-229341-massachusetts-obama.html
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15 – Oi!!
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BC, good points all round. I don’t hold water for a 3rd party at this juncture. Timings not right. But if the GOP gets cocky/stupid again after 2010, I’ll support a 3rd party.
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10 – Palin didn’t do herself any favors on Hannity last night, she was fine on BOR\Greata the evenings before, was quite funny but said nothing all that interesting on Beck as well.
Just saying…
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as someone on RedState noted:
if the MA Ballot was:
Hannibal Lecter (D)
George Washington (R)
Hannibal Lecter would still be the favorite!!!
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Schumer is a good pick for the biggest political waste. But I think there is one that is just a little more wasteful — Waxman.
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20, LOL.
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http://stevekornacki.blogspot.com/2010/01/coakley-internal-brown-3.html
(from Brandon)
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Anyone else worried about some major PsyOp going on here maybe?
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Janzam,
Read thru that article you posted. I found it very interesting that the NRSC is not even mentioned in the article. Are they even in play in MA??
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KH…yes!
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if the MA Ballot was:
Hannibal LecterBenedict Arnold (D)George Washington (R)
Hannibal LecterBenedict Arnold would still be the favorite!!!Fixed it.
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drdog09 =
The NRSC and NRCC are useless.
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drdog –Nothing seems to be coming from any partisan national committee — Brown’s campaign, at least it’s appearance, seems to be privately funded from around the country.(unlike Coatley’s, I might add)
Nice Markl Steyn article, Justrand!
[30]
NRSC and RNC got Brown some telecoms gear and related stuff early on, other then that I have not heard of any serious involvement – or requests for involvement.
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bc
Maybe they are “useless” because more money is being self-directed, rather than being funneled through a central clearing house, so to speak.
[32]
KH
Don’t you think it’s better that Brown’s election is more an independently-run, grass-roots endeaver?
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32 – Yes I think it help in this special election, especially in MA.
BTW see drudge siren… about illegals being allowed to stay.
What I can say other then I told you this was coming not that it was some big stretch of the imagination.
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Brown has asked the NRSC to stay out.
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Brown seems to be taking charge of his own campaign. He said the same thing to Obama, but apparently he didn’t listen!
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The NRSC and NRCC are useless. — BC
We know that BC, the point is they may not even be in the game. If they are not then they terminate for any need to exist in the GOP.
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Would BJGers like to open up a phone bank for Brown?? Here’s the link for you to do it — http://brownforussenate.com/call-from-home-drudge-report
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DCCC chair suggest reconciliation an option.
http://www.redstate.com/brianfaughnan/2010/01/15/dccc-chair-vanhollen-we-might-pass-health-care-with-reconciliation/
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http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local-beat/Operation-Pierre-Pan-Starts-at-Miami-Hospitals-81767767.html
Already contridicts messaging out of the WH.
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Ran across this today in a comment
http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/un-turns-a-blind-eye-to-fraud/2007/10/05/1191091362045.html
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I’m curious what some of you think about Palin’s comment, supporting Michael Steele, on the Hannity show.
Palin attacks Steele critics
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I don’t like the comments by Palin, they are uncharacteristic of her, imo, and I do not care for Steele at all, he is liberal, plays the race card, he is weak, lazy, and does not lead.
Now he is promoting himself thru his RNC position.
I don’t care what the RNC does anymore, but I strongly disagree with Palin’s remarks, and will try to forget them.
She is trying to squash rumors she will go third party, perhaps. Better sometimes to say nothing.
Just my 2c
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Like Bush and McCain, Steele has said some things that are unforgivable in my book.
1 agreeing with an obama hack that a GOP meeting looked like a nazi rally
2 saying GOP comments were ugly.
3 saying the GOP was not ready to lead
The man is spineless.
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I can see why you might feel that way rwy, but IMO it further demonstrates Palin’s ability to say it like she sees it.
I’m sure she realizes many conservatives have taken issue with Steele on some of his comments and performances. But, she, nevertheless, sees it differently and with her usual, no holds barred, speaks her opinion.
That takes courage to go against the grain of your admirers.
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41 – see 19 for mine.
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So, KH was it Palin’s Steele comments that elicited those remarks?
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The last RNC chair to articulate the issues at stake in the battle against the left was Haley Barbour. He had Chris Dodd reduced to a screaming maniac.
Steele is a clown, and I don’t know what Sarah was thinking when she said this. She’ll have to change her statement later on, as Steele becomes more and more of a disaster…..
Say something noncomittal and bland, or don’t comment. But to lash the mans critics is well, stupid.
She gets so much crap for being a supposed lightweight when she is not, these comments make her seem like a lightweight.
IMO.
I really get annoyed and am the end of my rope with people who will look at something white and call it black. Anyone who even remotely pays attention to the RNC can see Steele is an idiot.
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…and, again, rwy, that is your opinion.
I don’t think Steele is as bad as you say. Some of his comments have not been well thought out. But, there is no advantage for the GOP to be causing an in-house fight over their RNC chair at this point. It only becomes a sore point for dims to poke at.
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The man is incompetent, and you don’t go to war like that, and win. The sooner we broom him the sooner conservatives and the GOP can start to see eye to eye again…..
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And if we do fire Steele, I’ll bet he switches to the Dems, and goes on TV and rants about how racist the GOP is.
And if we don’t fire him, the RNC will continue its near 10 year worthless streak….
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Mostly yes, that she poo-poo’d his critics which oddly enough are her supporters.
I’m little tired of her letting beck and hannity lead her with their questions not twist them into where she wants to go with a topic – she was able to do it about twice in an hour with beck – it’s improvement but has a ways to go.
You know my view on his most recent remarks(Steele) …truthful (in my opinion) but dumb too say on national TV as the head of the party that gop is not ready to lead, also really dumb of him not to let folks know he was coming out with a book.
[52]
If the NRSC and NRCC are denied funding, it puts the power in the hands of the party at the lowest levels (e.g. grass roots). Candidates will receive funding based on their merits and popularity.
For example, the NRCC cut off Michele Bachmann’s funding in 2008 because she was so outspoken, The fact that conservatives supported her financially was the only thing that gave her any funds with which to run a campaign.
In 2010 it appears roles may have changed with Bachmann having a ton of cash and the mealey-mouthed moderates hurting.
[53]
The GOP is only beginning to realize what a disaster Steele is. And now, they are in a box, because he WILL play the race card if they can him.
Bank it.
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In 2010 it appears roles may have changed with Bachmann having a ton of cash and the mealey-mouthed moderates hurting.
The GOP only gives to the Scozzafavas and the Linc Chaffees. As far as the GOP is concerned, conservatives can go to hell.
And trust me, it’s a mutual feeling…..
[55]
The biggest thing Steele has going for him right now is his race. If you recall, many of us supported Blackwell. Blackwell would be the logical choice to replace Steele as the Dims and MSM would have a field day portraying Steele’s ousting as being racially motivated.
They cannot make that charge if Blackwell is the new NRC chair and, to be perfectly frank, he probably was the best of those running.
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At least Blackwell was a conservative, and a fighter. He would never have said what Steele has said. Or agreed with an Obama flack that the GOP meetings looked like Nazi rallies……
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53 – If the house is not taken back he’s gone race card or no race card, if it switches hands despite him the morons will feed his ego and give him credit. Hey wait I thought someone said the race card was dead after dear leader one?
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Well, that was the tears talking…..
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He’ll be crying again in Nov, but this time for real, as his beloved Dems take a whipping……
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The other advantage Blackwell has is that he faced ACORN in Ohio so he is knowledgeable about them and what needs to be done. Corrupt elections and voter fraud are important issues. Blackwell is a workhorse while Steele trys to be a show horse.
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‘one’.. lol I meant ‘won’ Freudian slip with “the one” I guess.
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Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/politics/Kennedy-card-is-ace-for-Massachusetts-Republican-8764201-81570202.html#ixzz0cjT73JaJ
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BOR is jacka__ but his talking points are dead on tonight.
[64]
One thing the GOP consistently seems to do is turn on people in its own party that “piss” them off. People are all over the map as to how effective or ineffective Steele has been as Chairman. I personally think the most egregious error he has made is not to contact major doners for money, as that is one of his main jobs —> funding.
I see no “up” side, though, in publically criticising him — it makes as much sense as his initial criticism of Limbaugh. Don’t eat your own. We are finally making inroads in perhaps changing the venue of the nation. Why put energy into a negative attack on your own RNC chair. Let it ride. The money paradigm is changing on it’s own. If Steele continues to collect animosity from GOP members he will be gone soon enough.
I also think comments that Steele is likely to join the democrats or play the race card is totally unwarrented. People said that about Colin Powell, and he did not change parties and has virtually disappeared from the public scene. Wild accusations and predictions back fire on those who make them.
[65]
Great article about how the Repulican party needs to clean up its act and become the party of freedom and individual rights:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2010/01/some_advice_for_the_republican.html
“In the meantime, Main-Street America has heated up. Tens of millions of Americans are demanding what I call “populist constitutionalism.” We want lower taxes, less federal control and regulation of our lives, and a return to basic constitutional principles of real federal government. In short, we want both the 9th and 10th Amendments taken seriously and enforced.
The RNC has to greet Tea Party people with open arms, letting them know they are welcome in the GOP. Forget about trying to co-op the leadership and make them into insiders. This is a grassroots phenomenon, so the message must go throughout the GOP to make the new folks comfortable participating in Republican Party affairs.
As I have shown elsewhere, the GOP (and this includes the RNC) has a long history of awarding leadership positions to those who hang around the longest. In other words, it is a Joe, not a Casey, who has historically gotten the plum position at the GOP and the RNC. This cronyism has to stop…now.”
[66]
rwy
ok…..
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WEC -
Good article. For at least 50 years the country club club elites have controlled the GOP. They made all the major decisions. The role of the rank and file has been to contribute, do the dirty work, shut and vote for whomever the leadership selected for us.
Times have changed and the greatest change comes via the pursestrings.
[68]
No what they do is turn on people who turn on conservatives or the GOP standards, unlike the scumbags in the Democratic party the GOP does actually turn on it’s own because it’s not a “party first” mentality it’s a principals first mentality, or at least where reasonably practical.
“People said that about Colin Powell, and he did not change parties and has virtually disappeared from the public scene.”
–
Nah instead he did something worse, called himself a Republican and started acting like a weasel Democrat, and too boot publicly endorsed one for president.
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“As I have shown elsewhere, the GOP (and this includes the RNC) has a long history of awarding leadership positions to those who hang around the longest.”
—
Quite valid and the “who’s ever is next in line” stuff needs to end, it’s one thing for committee assignments, it’s another for leadership positions.
[70]
#67 Look its pretty simple to me what the GOP has to stand for: Freedom!
Clear choice – party of Freedom or the party of Statism/socialism….
Their is no “compromise” with expanding the role of the national government beyond the bounds of the Consititutiion…..
[71]
Right WEC -
It’s important to remember that populism in the true sense of the word (returning power to the people) is not a dirty word.
[72]
#71 Correct, and thats what this country was founded on the premise that the individual is capable of self-government and that a limited government of enumerated powers that focused on protecting the rights of the individual would allow for the greatest amount of freedom and opportunity for all….
Specifically, the GOP must stand for the following principles:
- Personal Freedom
- Equal protection of Individual Rights
- Limited/Consititutional Government
- Free Markets
- Federalism
In practical terms, the GOP need to be able to explain in clear terms to people who more freedom equates to more prosperity…..
How respect for individual and minority rights equates to justice….
And how respect for the concept of federalism/constitutional government acures to the benefit of all in America….
I think emaphasis on Freedom and Federalism are the most important points….
If we had a true Federal system as the founders intended we would not be inflicted with these bad “one size for all – take it or leave it” solutions. We would not have a single point of failure for bad policy -and it would be easier to repeal. Like wise, our politics would not be so contentious as their are options at the state or local level if you do not like the laws or governmental regime. You can move and still enjoy the fundamental protections of Constitutional rights and unified national defense…..
For example, I think the RomneyCare like plans in MA, ME, VT are proven losers for people in terms of premium costs, loss of liberty, waiting lists, government control, etc – however if the people of that state want to try socialized medicine so be it. The Constitution in the 9th and 10th amendment allows that option. I dont have to live their though. And we can compare the results their and say states like TX that dont have this nonsense….
However, the socialist mindset is authoritraian and controling as its based on seeing their fellow man as stupid and in need of “help” from their “betters/enlighted” to make the correct choices in life. Thats what we are up against! Government force/intervention is their tool.
I think a clear contrast is what is needed – RINOism or “moderation” simply is a muddled agreement with the statist premise that governmentt force “can do good things”. How can you say “I want to use government intervention/force to solve this problem – but only half as much as this Democrat” and consistently win either elections or policy fights?
Essentially, you agree in principle with the D/leftist and cede the arguement to them right off the bat. You are then reduced to simply quibbling how much to intervene at the momment and how much freedom/rights the government is now going to take away.
In any case, thats this dog’s point of view. I think that canididates who “get this” will succed at the ballot box and in terms of policy.
Freedom and Federalism are proven winners and result getters.