Why Republicans Should Vote For Tom Hayhurst

by Jeff Pruitt

First off, let me start by saying Mark Souder is no conservative. In fact the case against Souder has been made so many times and is so obvious I won't even bother repeating it - instead, I will simply stipulate it.

However, I understand that a broader picture must be taken into account when choosing between two candidates. I'm sure it's extremely difficult for many conservatives to vote for Souder but the alternative is to support the Democratic party and that has just been out of the question. In a sense, Mark Souder is right when he says "a vote for Tom Hayhurst is a vote for Nancy Pelosi". Sometimes you HAVE to vote for a candidate because you believe in the party and its platform - even if you don't agree with the local candidate.

However, this logic breaks down when the national race isn't in doubt. If casting out a bad seed won't affect the party's position, then an argument can be made that you should send a message to your local and national party. NOW is the time for this district to send that message and purge Souder from the party. There is no doubt in my mind that superior Republican candidates would come forward if Souder was out of the picture. Waiting for primary elections isn't the best strategy because up-and-comers don't want to cross the party establishment by challenging an incumbent with over a decade of seniority.

The Congressional race isn't in doubt - the Democrats are most likely going to win the House regardless of what happens in this district. This presents a genuine opportunity for Republicans that are sick and tired of Mark Souder to turn this district upside down - for the better. The public discourse would be elevated tremendously with Souder out of the picture. Mark Souder and the Republican party have not lived up to their Contract with America - remember they ALL said:"If we break this Contract, throw us out"It's time to hold Mark Souder accountable to this district, the Republican party and the pledge he made to America - VOTE TOM HAYHURST ON TUESDAY...

(This original post by Jeff Pruitt appeared today in Just For the Record.) While we don't normally agree with many of the opinions there, the addition of Mr.Pruitt to the editorial staff is a welcome inclusion that provides balance to the strong conservative views of Tim Zank, to whom blog owner Andrew Kaduk seems to have left in charge of most of the new content as of late.