The Allen County Republican party has had it's share of ethical lapses (see here, here and here). Perhaps it's debatable about whether these problems were caused by a failure of leadership or not. However, after yesterday's election what is certainly not debatable is that Steve Shine no longer represents the voters of his party.
Personally, I don't think either party should endorse candidates in the primary. The idea of party-building is to promote all your candidates and let the membership decide who they want to represent the party. But if you do go out on a limb and support a primary candidate, then you had better be damn sure they will win because a loss completely undermines your presence within the party.
Shine lined up nearly every county-wide elected official to support Peters. He got Congressman Mark Souder to endorse him. He also had state-wide officials holding fundraisers and supporting him - in essence, he bet the farm...and lost.
In yesterday's vote the party membership not only rejected Nelson Peters but also Shine's leadership. They refused to follow his lead and with their votes they let him know they wanted the party to move in a new direction. He can no longer claim to be an effective leader within his own party.
Steve Shine should accept the will of the voters and resign...
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6 comments:
Well stated, Jeff. However, you are discussing an ego that precludes him from taking that very action. I would be very surprised if Shine resigned of his own accord. . .
I don't know Shine so I can't comment on his ego. But lately I think the Republican party has moved in the wrong direction under his leadership.
Having said that, it obviously doesn't hurt us as Democrats if he stays...
Apparently I need to check the time settings on this blog. . .
Jeff, what makes you think Shine "lined them up"?
AWB,
There's no need to argue the semantics of "lined them up". I don't think there's any doubt that Shine helped put the entire establishment behind Peters. I doubt he twisted their arms but the truth is the party should NOT have publicly endorsed a candidate in the mayoral primary.
I'm not sure there could've been a clearer rebuke of Shine's leadership than what you and other voters delivered last Tuesday - but it's not my party so I'll let you guys duke it out.
And while you're here I've been wanting to bust your balls a little bit over this post you made right after Peters and Kelty had announced their candidacy:
Matt, give up now.
I know you’re a nice guy and a lot of people like you but you don’t have a chance.
You have as much a chance of winning as David Roach. Throw your support towards Peters, or join the Libertarian party.
Good thing he didn't take your advice huh?
Seriously, congratulations on the victory - it was very impressive. I doubt either Kelty or Henry will take the upcoming election for granted like Peters did.
It's going to be a great race...
Gotta love a man that holds cards like that for just the right play. .
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