Forum Perspective on GOP Caucuses Flawed, Ridiculous

In a Feb. 7 editorial The Forum characterized Republicans as being lethargic, with nothing to smile about. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a lot of energy and enthusiasm in Republican ranks; the numbers themselves speak volumes.

Another perspective on the caucus turnout is the Democrats had a poor turnout. If you compare the Democrats’ six hours versus Republican’s 90 minutes and 50 percent more polling places, they should have had 60,000 voters rather than 19,000.

Obviously that is a ridiculous comparison, just as The Forum’s perspective was ridiculous. A caucus is a meeting of party members to select delegates in a nominating process. State law provides for each party to determine their own rules for their caucus. Democrats had more of a primary caucus as opposed to the Republicans’ format with a rally and a shorter window for voting.

The voter turnout at the Republican caucus doubled the previous high in 2000. This caucus is the first competitive one for Republicans since its inception in 2000.

Now that Gov. Mitt Romney has stepped out of the ring, it’s a chance for Republicans across the state to regroup and get ready for round 2.

It’s obvious from the balanced support garnered by at least three of the four candidates, even folks out here in North Dakota, where change isn’t embraced quite as readily as it may be in larger population centers, are still asking to be heard.

Take Mike Huckabee’s 20 percent to Ron Paul’s 21 percent of the totals. Huckabee held his own against an admirable effort by Paul’s supporters. Paul’s strong views on such issues as personal liberty, less government and protection of the Constitution obviously resonate with many North Dakotans.

The Forum’s swipe at Huckabee with reference to his former occupation as a pastor, rather than commenting on his proven record as a governor of Arkansas for more than 10 years, incidentally from the same state as Bill Clinton, is a cheap shot. Huckabee was an effective administrator with integrity who has a consistent record of supporting conservative philosophies and values across the board. As a friend of mine said after he heard Huckabee articulate his strong moral values, “He sounds like he really believes it.” The last time I checked, his values are consistent with those held in high regard by a majority of Americans.

Paul made a visit to college campuses in Bismarck and Fargo. These were attended by more than 1,200 students and others. College Republican President Erik Nygren had this to say: “He (Paul) has the Young Republicans in North Dakota flying high. The Paul event was the largest CR event in history.” Bring it on!

As for Sen. John McCain, he is a solid candidate – a seasoned veteran in every way, unlike anyone on the Democratic side of the aisle in this contest, McCain will be ready to lead on day one. There will be no need for on-the-job training. McCain, while perceived as a maverick, has one of the highest conservative rankings in the Senate. He won’t be intimidated or buckle under to the likes of Iran, North Korea or even the liberal elements of the United Nations or U.S. Congress.

When the rallies and parades are over and the confetti is swept from the convention floors, two candidates – one Democrat and one Republican – will be left standing. In the end, the only vote that will matter is the general election. I’m willing to predict that Americans in North Dakota and across this country will fall in behind a man who has been in the trenches before and can lead us forward in the 21st century.

It’s the votes cast on general election day in November that matter now.

Gary Emineth, Chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party.