Saddle Up and Let's Ride!

At last weeks GOP caucus something interesting happened, something quite unexpected actually. What happened was what some precinct committee persons called a “record turn out” among the eligible voters with several more interested bystanders in tow turned out to elect a new Chairman. This record turn out obviously showed there is a huge amount of interest in the local GOP. Is it possible a sleeping giant has awoken? As expected there were two qualified candidates vying for the hot seat in local politics, Dan Aiken and Franklin Andrew. They both entered the race relying on their own strengths, each possessing their own brand of charisma and style. Aiken was proposing something closer to a corporate business structure or attitude with structure and accountability. Andrew on the other hand was touting more of a bravado “gitter done” style.

Another thing happened that I think surprised many in attendance. The vote wasn’t even close, reportedly sixty votes for Andrew with twenty for Aiken. Many had expected a much closer race with the possibility of two or even three ballots. With the outcome being so lopsided it avoided the typical party split within factions that usually occurs after a close election. In other words the outcome actually provided a healing of sorts and unified most of the party in one camp. I’m sure there are those with a more moderate outlook on local politics that have concerns about the outcome but it appears even they are willing to give someone else a chance to bring home the bacon. With so many party regulars showing up at the election and if they will just stay involved throughout Andrew’s tenure it certainly offers hope for the future.

It’s possible someone like Franklin Andrew is just what the GOP needed. As he lists his occupation as a horse breeder maybe he can utilize those skills and coral the wild mustangs that have pulled the GOP in different directions over the last few years. Next years election is right around the corner and it will be a good litmus test for his brand of leadership especially since he is fulfilling a term that will expire in early 2007. If Chairman Andrew can concentrate his efforts on winning the majority of local races next year by dividing his time and loyalty between that and the Sodrel campaign its possible the majority of the GOP will hitch there horses to his wagon and ride it to victory in 2007 and as we all know that would truly be an accomplishment.