The Next GOP Chairman

Following the resignation of GOP Chairman John Shean, much information is being circulated, some factual and some less than factual, about potential candidates for upcoming caucus when the precinct committee men and women will elect Monroe County’s next GOP Chairman. The one fact that has come out of all of this is the Caucus will be held at the GOP headquarters September 12th at 7:30 in the evening. Another fact that has come out is that precinct committeeman Franklin Andrew has announced his candidacy and is actively campaigning for the opening. Reportedly Mr. Andrew narrowly lost to John Shean in the last caucus about a year and half ago. Another fact is that Vice Chairman and current acting Chairman Amy Marie Travis has made it known she will not be seeking the job full time. Probably a smart move on her part as her job in the Prosecutors office would undoubtedly suffer under the demands of County Chairman. The only other people on the Central Committee currently are Andy Dodds, Treasurer and Bryan Lemonds, Secretary, no official word yet on either of them as a potential candidate. Either would probably be worthy candidates but history has not been kind politically to former Chairman and word is they are both interested in future public service.

Currently with the announcement of just one candidate, Franklin Andrew has got the jump on others at this point as it was reported he was actively seeking support the day after Mr. Shean’s announcement. Some within the Party are concerned about his close ties to Leo Hickman, Bud Bernitt and the far right ultra conservative faction of the party. Mr. Andrew does have an advantage of several years of political involvement with various campaigns including his own although it is reported that his lack of involvement in the local party since Shean took office is a concern.

The only other name with any credence that has currently surfaced in the rumor mill is Dan Aiken, a current precinct committeeman and former campaign chairman for Andy Dodds’ unsuccessful bid for County Council in 2004. Mr. Aiken a relative new comer in local politics has been very visible over the last year taking on many responsibilities within the Party’s structure. His supporters are reportedly more moderate and would probably include most of the current elected office holders.

As Paul Harvey says, and now for the rest of the story, rumors are furiously circulating in both camps as the jockeying among potential candidates are underway. As phone calls are being made and alliances formed word on the street is apparently the Democrats are already requesting background information on current and rumored candidates. I’m sure they would like nothing more than to see someone with a sordid past elected as Chairman. This certainly is something worthy of further consideration, as most people would agree a County Chairman’s past needs to be squeaky clean. Hopefully anyone with a checked past would avoid dragging the party down that road.

The Monroe County GOP is at a virtual crossroads, its lack of success in the last city election and more recently the county election gives serious concern for the direction of the GOP under new leadership. The Chairman’s job is by in large a thankless and horrific drain on a persons time. Everyone has different expectations, some of which are virtually unachievable. Citizens of Bloomington and Monroe County are not as likely as they once were to vote straight ticket which is why many believe its important to find a leader that will appeal to those closer to the center politically. Someone less radical and more moderate would also appeal to a broader range of potential candidates for future GOP tickets. Hopefully those that will get the opportunity to vote will ask the tough questions that need to be asked. What have they done in the past, what are they doing presently and where they plan to take us in the future? Will they have the time and resources to devote to this most important position? Which candidate will give the GOP its best chance to win? Are they seeking the job because they truly want to move the party forward or is there an ulterior motive? It’s possible other candidates will surface at the eleventh hour but regardless it’s a tough post to fill and good candidates will more than likely be in short supply.