"Activists stunning Republican platform win...
Andrew Ian Dodge, Portland, ME Tea Party Examiner
May 9
In what can only be seen as quite an impressive development a coalition of Ron Paul supporters and social conservatives have had their platform voted in at the Maine Republican Party Convention . The organization and effectiveness of this effort is quite frankly stunning. Due to a lack of organization and foot dragging the platform committee of the Maine Republican Party was blindsided by this effort.
The effect it will have on Maine politics could be quite epic in scope. It has certainly stunned the Republican Party Establishment and the Maine media.
The coalition that wrote the document came together via the tea party movement, however it goes far farther into the social conservative and conspiracy realm than some would have liked. Instead of merely sticking to the core values of fiscal restraint, free market and adherence to the Constitution(s) it delves into the areas of social and foreign affairs.
The Maine has been all over the story as one can imagine and has over-shadowed the major debate between the seven candidates for governor. As Matthew Gagdon says in his piece on the Pine Tree Politics site. www.pinetreepolitics.com/2010/05/09/maine-republican-platform-becomes-political-football/
"...my biggest problem with the platform is that it seems almost entirely written with the Federal government in mind. Certainly, with a Republican Party that has become consumed with opposing the growing Federal behemoth, that is to be expected to some degree, but in the end this is a document that is supposedly written to tell the Maine voters why they should support the Republican Party."
NewsOk makes the point that the tea party influence was downplayed. This is an interesting move and makes sense considering its divergence from the tea party core values. http://newsok.com/maine-gop-platform-nearly-overshadows-candidates/article/feed/157127#ixzz0nSlQGrpy
"While the Knox County group downplayed tea party influence, the platform's preamble acknowledged the tea party movement, describing it as "reminiscent of the principled revolt that led to the birth of the Republican Party in 1854."
What is of interest is how its being spun as being libertarian. The fiscal conservative aspects of the document are obvious attraction to libertarians. The social conservative aspect of the document would be quite a turn-off. Unfortunately the press are making the mistake of believing that Ron Paul followers are representative of all libertarians.
The document is quite long and rambling. Rather than merely sticking to the Constitutions of both the US and Maine it delves into many issues that are actually not the remit of the state. There is in fact very little mention of Maine at all.
Its unclear how this will go down with candidates. It seems fairly obvious that those who are running in Southern Maine which is less conservative might have a difficulty defending some of the stances. It remains to be seen how this will affect the governor candidates or whomever ends up winning the nomination.
Will a state-wide electorate be as keen as the activists who drafted the document? Or the nominee face the prospect of distancing himself from the document or risk alienating independents who will be key to any victory?
Pete Harring of Maine Refounders (paintmainered.ning.com/) sees the positive side to this and is very pleased that it has been passed.
"There is no more wishy washy statements in our Platform. This is a great accomplishment, there is no room for interpretation. Our core principles and values are clearly defined. The attendance and the energy that filled the air was absolutely inspiring. Our numbers are growing, True conservative values and the meaning of our Constitution is on the minds of many. Patriotism and common sense are alive and grow"
It remains to be seen whether or not this will help or hurt the Republican Party of Maine. The writers of this platform seem to believe that all conservatives in Maine are of the social variety. Or rather they hope that those concerned with social conservatives aspect of the platform will ignore these concerns for the overall theme of the document.
You can read the whole thing here (paintmainered.ning.com/forum/topic/show) and decide for yourself.
Its certainly going to make politics in Maine a far more interesting thing than has been of late. Its tossed a hand grenade of epic proportions into the Republican Party of Maine. We have no idea who the casualties are going to be.
The Democrats will be rubbing their hands with glee and be pouring over this document for issues to use in the forthcoming general election.
One has to wonder if it might provide a template for revised platforms in other states. And no doubt there are those who would like to replicate the success of the organizational efforts of the Knox country activists. How it was achieved was nothing short of brilliant.
This should send a shiver through every Republican Party state organization. Is this a return to the “as Maines so goes the nation” days of old?
--more--"
Related:
"Outside Maine, the Tea Party movement has had an influence on major political races"
Oh, THAT TASTES HORRIBLE, readers!
Then again S*** LIES always do!!
Related: Quick Sip of Sour Tea
Maybe I should literally throw it away, huh?
"Candidates don’t commit to platform of Maine GOP activists; Convention shows Tea Party’s ideals" by Glenn Adams, Associated Press | May 14, 2010
AUGUSTA, Maine — Most of Maine’s Republican gubernatorial candidates are tepid to cool on a party platform pushed through by activists in the Tea Party movement, but none responding to Associated Press queries rejected the statement of party principles outright.
The platform adopted at last weekend’s Maine Republican Convention showcased the influence of conservatives and activists within the Tea Party movement. Among other things, it stresses a need for state sovereignty, 12-year congressional term limits, limiting marriage to one man and one woman, and the sanctity of life, including the unborn.
It seeks the elimination of the Department of Education and the Federal Reserve and refers to global warming as a “myth.’’ It also calls for spending cuts and a balanced budget, freezing stimulus funds, and says health care “is not a right. It is a service.’’
Yeah, you would not want to warm up to things like that (or the unmentioned ending of imperialistic wars).
GOP candidates, who were asked whether they support the platform, generally chose to point to their own priorities instead....
Translation: they are all politicians.
Outside Maine, the Tea Party movement has had an influence on major political races.
In Florida, Governor Charlie Crist quit the GOP so he can run for the Senate as an independent after polls indicated he was trailing Tea Party-friendly Marco Rubio in the race for the Republican nomination. In Kentucky the Tea Party movement is a driving force behind the Senate candidacy of Rand Paul, the son of libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul.
Oh, my, I can't believe his name made the paper.
In Utah Tea Party activists toppled Robert F. Bennett, a three-term GOP senator....
Yes, it is an INCUMBENT OUT kind of MOOD!!!!
Also see: Around New England: Cleaning Up in Maine
Tea Party Terrorists
