Local GOP Retains Franklin Andrew as Chairman

Local Republican precinct committeepersons turned out a huge contingent to select their new leaders for 2007 and beyond. The Party faithful had two good choices; current Chairman Franklin Andrew and longtime Republican ally Gene Moncel. Both nominees had their reasons for wanting to lead the GOP and both packed the house with their respective supporters. With just one ballot Franklin Andrew came out on top 65 to 47. Andrew has done a commendable job over the past couple of years but his tenure has not been without its problems, the largest of which is being able to post only a couple of wins in the win column in the past election. Probably the singular most important aspect of re-electing Andrew to the post is the continuity of leadership and experience he will carry into the '07 election and beyond.

A few individuals had recently spoken unfavorably of the election challenge that Andrew spearheaded. They were undoubtedly influenced by the opposition doublespeak and the local media coverage. Had a Republican in the Clerk’s office been caught with a key to secure voter records with both access and a handful of ballots on their person its safe to assume the Democrats would have more than likely called for a public beheading of the offender. The final report indicates there is several areas of concern that need addressed to prevent ineligible voters from influencing our elections. Little things like felons being allowed to vote and individuals that haven’t lived or voted locally for a decade mysteriously reappearing to cast an absentee ballot. Talk about disenfranchised voters, let’s at least follow the law! Maybe these ineligible votes are not enough to alter the outcome of most elections but there has been more than one local election that was decided by a mere handful of votes. Maybe the recount was oversold and maybe a few followers of good candidates like Pat Haley and Jim Billingsley were hanging their hats on the outcome; who knows. The bottom line is Franklin Andrew fulfilled his obligation as County Chairman because if he didn’t seek to correct these concerns, who would? He uncovered some issues and definitely put the Democrats on notice that someone is paying much closer attention today than in the past. At the very least the GOP now has more data than ever to discourage future improprieties from tainting our elections.

It’s apparent that at least for the time being that the local GOP is fighting an uphill battle. So many factors influence our local elections, so many beyond the local Party’s control. Bloomington and more recently Monroe County has been bucking the trend in Indiana with its more liberal voting record. A highly organized and almost militant local opposition party that has a blatant disregard for any ideas or opinions other than their own. The fear of involvement of many highly qualified individuals, which leaves the local government, to be ran by what could be described as almost a fanatical minority. Too many voters are influenced by local media coverage and are too easily swayed by the headlines. Maybe, as Franklin Andrew mentioned Saturday, “It’s time for the local GOP to start being for something” instead of always being on the defensive. Maybe, as Gene Moncel pointed out that it’s time for the local GOP to get more involved in social issues that face our community. Who knows, it might just be a combination of all the above. I don’t think any one person has all of right answers and for that matter shouldn’t be expected to. If the level of interest in Saturday’s central committee election was any indication it’s obvious the local GOP is alive and well. I think it’s obvious they’re hungry for a victory and who knows with a collective and unified effort they might just surprise some folks!