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McCain Got You Down? Work Local Politics.

Submitted by Jonathan Hall on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 13:40

It goes without saying that many Conservatives are, to say the least, disappointed that John McCain is the Republican Party's presidential nominee. This disappointment has caused many voters across the nation to simply "check out" of politics. They feel that since their views are not represented in the presidential election, that they have no reason or responsibility to be involved in the 2008 election. Many of them have threatened that they will not even vote.

As a Conservative, I feel their pain. I often wish that the GOP had nominated a candidate that agreed with me on more issues. It's hard to get energized about McCain; I definitely understand where they're coming from. I'm not encouraging Conservatives to go out and work for McCain. (That issue will be saved for a later discussion). However, I will say this:

Refusing to vote or be active in politics simply because of one candidate is irresponsible.

If you are disillusioned with McCain and care as deeply about the Conservative movement as you claim you do, do not check out of politics. There are many, many local elections in your area that you should work for: Congressman, Senator, Governor, State House, State Senate, Mayor, Sheriff, the list goes on. Find a local candidate that you respect and agree with and work for him. The Conservative movement has not been built upon the backs of national icons, even though they have played a substantial role; Conservatism exists today because of small groups of people discussing ideas and fighting for what they believe in. Grassroots has always been a key component of Conservatism...knocking doors, making phone calls, and connecting one-on-one with voters is the backbone of our movement.

Do not punish your neighbor who's running for the State House by refusing to vote because of McCain's moderate record. Your passion is a valuable asset; it is key to sustaining Conservatism. Find tomorrow's leaders by getting involved in local politics today. If we work hard to promote Conservatives at every level, we may never be faced with the proposition of having to vote for someone who isn't as Conservative as we'd like.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

 

 

 

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Comments

Hear Hear

Submitted by idahoconservative on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 16:57.

We have an excellent Congressman in Idaho's 1st District that needs saved, along with a key chance to throw out 2 Democratic State Representatives in my  district, as well as to elect a Republican State Senator in in District 16, and a strong pro-life Conservative State Representative in that district too. Most people have similar situations in their area if they'll just look around.

too many local Republicans are part of the problem

Submitted by superdestroyer on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 17:45.

Many of those local Republicans are the types who enabled out of control spending, earmarks, and have supported open borders and unlimited immigration.

If you can find a Republicans who is smart enough to put budget cuts before tax cuts and who understands that open borders and unlimited immigration destroys conservatives, then they need support.  But why would anyone want to support the pork barreling hacks like Mitch McConnell or Than Cochran?

I Sympathize

Submitted by idahoconservative on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 19:11.

But I think the issues we're going to be dealing with under President Obama in 2009 are going to be so big and so different, you're going to need Republicans up there, even Mitch McConnell, who has tacticly done a good job of holding back Harry Reid. If Democrats get too far ahead, it's trouble, particularly in the Senate.

I would add there's a couple Senators I could understand not supporting: Senator Susan Colins (R-ME) is with us as often as she's for us and Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) ethics are so bad that his presence in the Senate damages our brand so much we're better off without him.

Such BS

Submitted by RedMango on Sun, 07/06/2008 - 21:28.

Local Republicans are more faithful to the conservative cause than the national ones ever will be.  Here in California, our Republican state legislators are holding true for small government and are critical of Arnie's embarassing capitulations to the Democrats regarding the state budget.  So really stop this malaise-mongering about GOP officials.  Criticize the few who need to be corrected, but don't paint such a broad brush.