This morning on facebook, I caught this comment from Ezra Hays (leader of the No on Amendment H effort) explaining why he has taken on the task of opposing open primaries.
Because he believes that the Republican Party should have more control over it’s candidates:
Ezra Hayes explicitly notes: “In South Dakota the Republican Party is not strong enough to rein in politicians when it is needed, thats why I feel that we need a stronger party, to be able exact our values when needed.“
Which politicians exactly does he believe he needs the Republican Party to rein in? Does he think the SDGOP should be able to tell the House Majority Leader to toe the line? Or Congressman Dusty Johnson.. Quit being so wonky and reading that legislation – you just vote how we tell you to. Senator Thune, you might be next in line to lead the US Senate, but we’re in command here.
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! That’s a laugh riot.
Speaking as someone who has worked for and with the Republican Party for decades to elect candidates, I will be the first to tell you this is the absolute height of hubris. The Republican Party is supposed to be there as an affiliation and a vehicle to help get candidates elected by being partners with those who would represent the party. And it’s a two way street. Give and take. The Republican Party has helped it’s candidates, and in return, candidates affiliate and organize along party lines, which benefits the party.
Unfortunately, with the tenor of politics in recent years as people have been driven away from participating in politics, this is what you get. Party organizations are able to do less and less for candidates, because they can’t raise money, and are focusing on the wrong things. Yet, there is an increasing expectation of control over the candidates.
Ezra Hays may want to “exact our values when needed” from candidates and officeholders. But I don’t think he’s going to get it.
I think Mr. Hays might be confusing the GOP with the CCP
LOL, ROFL please hit me with something better than that. I expected more than ‘I think its the CCP’, That just cracks me up. You obiously dont know me. Making an acusation doesn’t make it true.
And now crazy Karli Healey is working with college republicans at BHSU. Didn’t she get escorted off the Capitol grounds by Capitol police? She’s busy forming a citizens for liberty – northern hills branch.
Another authoritarian that wants to be in every aspect of our lives.
Well, that doesn’t help the SDGOP! I really wish experienced professionals were running this campaign.
Hey Pat, thanks for the free air time.
You’re welcome. Let me know how “reining in” the Governor or Attorney General goes for you.
How aware is the GOP in all of this craziness that is occurring? I say the GOP does some reining in alright. The freedom caucus is hiding under a false label.
The problem with all of this is that we’ve moved away from the Republican party reflecting the values of the people who make up the GOP, into a time where there is a group of those who feel they have the right to dictate values.. as they believe.
That’s never ended well for anyone.
Pat is absolutely right.
I can tell you as a young person that if we said lower taxes and have the government gtfo, there would be no contest, only victory.
We have a party platform, I am for just sticking to that.
Yes, but you’re the one making statements that you want the party to “exact our values when needed” and you want them to “rein in politicians” when they might act contrary to the party platform.. the platform as you interpret.
Things don’t exactly work like that.
I was elected to represent my district not the S.D. GOP.
Bravo Mr. Speaker!
Freedom!
When unelectable people try to find ways to manipulate and control elected officials—in the name of freedom.
Yes, but take note. Some of these people actually were elected this time. Even openly racist posts didn’t make them “unelectable “. Not going to be a good look for the party going forward.
The SD GOP is one of the most powerful special interests in the state. “Leaders” like Ezra demonstrate why we need to return some power over our elections to the people. Vote YES on H!
Memo to Mr. Hayes,
Any political party exists for one purpose, and one purpose only. It is to get their candidates elected to office. It is NOT to rein in its candidates or serving office holders.
A party’s platform lays out a framework for what that party represents at that time.
Just as a political party has no authority to determine how their members will vote, they also have no authority to determine how a duly elected legislator or leader will vote on issues.
We elect people, not issues.
It is interesting how one statement is made into an entire piece of low grade writing. Most logic students would argue that is one of the easiest pathetic fallacies to spot in an argument. Could the same words of “voters holding elected officials accountable” be used and be more acceptable? One could argue the writer of this blog struggles to understand the comments he intends to make an example of poor understanding of the political process.
Many of the Republicans that argue elected officials need to “tow the party line” are the reason, younger generation Republicans have become disillusioned with the party. Many are tired of the “good ole boy” club, and in a generation of customization, elected officials will have to respond to constituent’s “exacting” in order to continue to hold office. As a 10 year social studies teacher, the younger generation will not respond to “towing the party line”
Maybe this blog should focus on real issues than a one line statement with 9th grade writing skills.