Is it a wolf in sheep's clothing? Do we need republicans picking any party that they think they can get ahead in?
SB_Gypsy | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 8:57 am | #

A little off post, the Mayor of Lonoke lost his re-election and would up placing third. Seems that the folk just didn't like all that crazy bullshit going on.
Blackdog | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 10:18 am | #

that's wound up.
Blackdog | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 10:18 am | #

I am unfamiliar with Kansas politics, so what I have to say on this is pure speculation, but I always find it the most cynical of acts when someone who has long been in one party and is deep within the party decides to change parties. It always seems opportunistic and it is inevitably proven so. Were there a genuine change of heart with respect to political platforms and philosophies, the change would not be affected at a time when, as it also inevitably proves to be, a political opportunity is in the offing.

In New Jersey we have a fellow named Albio Sires who went from Republican to Democrat in time to run for the state assembly in his district. It might have had something to do with no Republican having ever been elected to the assembly from that district, I don't know, but it sure seemed like it. Sires is now in a battle with Joe Vas for the nomination to be the Democratic candidate. Vas is receiving support from the progressives and with good reason; Sires may be a good candidate in terms of his ability to win and his connections, but he is still a Republican on many issues, especially with respect to LGBTI issues. Vas, on the other hand, is a Democrat and stands by the platform.

Opportunism is a part of politics, no doubt, and we all can think of examples of individuals who moved solely so that they could run in a district or state where they previously had little affiliation. But switching parties for the sake of an opportunity is a far greater example of opportunism to me, and exceptionally cynical. I just don't like it. At some point, parties need to decide whether another notch in the W column is worth sacrificing the organization's principles. If it is worth that sacrifice, then that organization does not have any principles. Let people switch parties? Absolutely, and welcome them with open arms, too. But don't let them immediately run for office on your party's line. That's when you sell your soul.
DBK | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 10:19 am | #

DBK,
You're right about the "opportunistic changes". John Lindsay comes to mind as a more prominent trans-politician. It did him no good, either.
Imagine Dubya deciding to become a Democrat or even a Human. Does anyone think that would change our mindset about what he's done? He may be the most sincere person in the world but if I've opposed his beliefs as vehemently these past years, I couldn't forgive and forget. Maybe God will forgive him, but I don't have God's patience, compassion, understanding or the ability to resurrect myself in case I'm wrong.
Father Tyme | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 10:51 am | #

OT, sorry, but I just had to:

http://wreimer2163.blogspot.com/ ...atulations.html
The Wanderer | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 10:57 am | #

Congrats, Wanderer, What an accomplishment!
SB_Gypsy | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:15 am | #

They should really make him PUBLICLY and LOUDLY denounce all the shitty things he did while a rethug and then use those statements to attack the other rethugs in the state...if he is unwilling to do so, let him run as an independent!
madmatt | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:18 am | #

Wanderer,
Way to go! My son is a published author (still waiting for the millions, though!) Look forward to reading it.
I wrote a short children's book recently but W wouldn't read it. Besides being to deep, he coudn't relate to the peaceful happy ending. sigh!
LOL!
Father Tyme | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:22 am | #

Gypsy, FTyme, thank you for your good wishes!
The Wanderer | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:39 am | #

Wanderer, you are awesome! Congratulations!
blondesense Liz | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:51 am | #

Liz,

Thank you. ::bows::
The Wanderer | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 11:58 am | #

i blogged that, dbk. thanks.
chicago dyke | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 12:42 pm | #

Wanderer - Wow! Congratulations on being a published author of not one - not two - but an actual trilogy.
Auntie Roo | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 1:06 pm | #

Thanks, chicago dyke. Except I should have edited my comments better. The sentence that reads, "Sires is now in a battle with Joe Vas for the nomination to be the Democratic candidate" should actually end with "...Democratic candidate for Congress in, I believe, the 13th District." It makes more sense that way.

And congrats to Wanderer. That is a real accomplishment.
DBK | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 1:39 pm | #

SB_gypsy: I'll thank you not to use lupiphobic metaphors

But yes, this looks like deliberate infiltration with sabotage in mind.
Saborlas | Homepage | 05.31.06 - 5:32 pm | #