Sunday, April 22, 2007
Lengthy thoughts on the current state of Wisconsin CRs
I said I would have some extended thoughts on the weekend at the state college GOP convention and here they are...
There were times where I would sit back and wonder if the various College Republicans groups across the state and nation were working and electing Republicans, or were they just social organizations for conservative students to get together and discuss politics and maybe act on them.
I mean, I look at our UW-Green Bay chapter. We don't have regular meetings. We don't hold speakers or events on campus. We may not be even visible in non-election years. But we're seen, wearing our campaign T-shirts, at parades, at phone banks, knocking doors, in the advance vehicle for an RV tour and we are the last to make it to a victory party on election night. I remember spending five straight days in Waupaca County for the 72-hour program. I remember killing nearly an entire month of school to do whatever the John Gard and Co. needed done. I didn't miss a debate. I didn't miss a rally. I didn't miss any opportunity to meet voters and get them to vote Republican.
This is what we did. We may not win any awards for our work. It may not be flashy, it may not get coverage in the student newspaper, and we won't brag about what we do. But we know we are doing everything in our power to get the job done and help get Republicans elected and re-elected.
Now, statewide, it seems like it is a different story. I hear campuses talking about bringing in speakers, staging protests and publicity stunts and getting into the fake politics that is student government. That is all fine and dandy in the off years, but with the vicious election cycles is it now?
When we were done with the November election, we were already getting in gear for the Green Bay Mayor's race. Sure, it is non-partisan, but we know who the conservative candidate is. (And for the record, Tom Hinz is not a conservative. RINO at best.) We pushed hard on that campaign and won big on April 3. Now, we look to 2008 and get ourselves ready for what could be the biggest election in recent history.
The difference between the grassroots type vs. the activist is a clear distinction that was the election for state chair and ultimately played into the decision of UWGB's seven votes. Did we want the state CRs to be the group that works the grassroots level for our candidates and get them elected. Or do we want the state CRs to pull publicity stunts on campus, fundraise for the sake of fundraising, or work exclusively on our home college campuses and home areas.
The state CRs were worthless in the 2006 election. Sure, there was a big statewide race for Governor, and everyone was excited about that. Unfortunately, there was a bigger race--Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District. It felt like we were abandoned this election cycle. It was UWGB, St. Norbert and Lawrence, a total student population of under 10,000 students with only about 50 or so active CRs, having to help get John Gard elected to that Republicans can retain the seat.
They only help we received was from UW-Oshkosh, in the 6th, and WICR chair Mary Ellen Burke and WICR Executive Director Daniel Suhr and whoever they brought from Marquette. They were in the 8th quite a bit the last election cycle because they knew the implications of defeat.
Now, imagine if we had CRs across the state come to the 8th for a weekend, or even just a day, and did a massive lit drop or the like, allowing the usual volunteers and staffers to do something out. We may possibly get more votes as a result, and possibly retain the seat. (It could happen. Maybe.)
Thoughts on the new chair and the election that went with it
In my eyes, the decision was clear. Ryan knew exactly what the organization needs--people that spend time in the field, getting the work done, and getting our leaders elected. He just doesn't talk about it, he has done it for years. But it isn't just about Ryan--its about a team. From the top on down, everyone on the new leadership team is key to the success of the organization.
The election was dirty. There were a lot of things said that were atrocious or down right lies. The professionalism of the campaigns was down right disgusting. From official Web sites, blogs, and posters--and even the Friday night all-you-can-drink drunkfests hosted by candidates was a sad reality that people would do anything to get elected. There used to be a time where people would sit down and discuss the issues with you. Now, you get e-mails, color lit pieces and everything else that I don't want.
Honestly, at first, the only reason why I came to convention at first was to see the show and expect a good laugh. The week preceeding it was filled with nonsense. It even meant a statement by the WICR chair on its Web site.
Our party is better than this. Our selection of our leaders should be as civil as possible and not resort to tacky and untasteful campaign tactics. Leave that for the Democrats.
Now that all of it is over, it is time to get to work. Bury the hatchet and make Wisconsin's CRs the best in the nation.
We can do it. I'm ready.
It's time to get to work. I'm ready.
Labels: Election 2008
