Dear Matt,

In taking note of McCain's reprehensible attack on Don Goldwater's character ("lack of respect for basic values of a generous and decent society"), I am reminded of your admonishment at the start of the campaign. To paraphrase, "I will take to the woodshed anyone who would stoop to mudslinging a fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate no matter from which corner the mud was thrown."

In light of the fact that the report from which McCain made his mud patties was completely bogus, and for which McCain did no verification, and offered no apology, I wonder when we will hear the pangs of pain and regret from McCain as a result of your woodshed thrashing?

Or is this just another example of the double-standard approach when it comes to McCain? He can say anything, drive people from the Party, make a shamble of his oath to protect and defend our Constitutional rights to free speech and to own a fire arm, and to protect us from invasion, and yet he is exempt from criticism from Republican Party Officials.

Too bad McCain wouldn't rail with such vitriol against illegal aliens or terrorists as he has against Goldwater. Instead, he wants to give illegal aliens social security benefits and insists that we not hurt the feelings of terrorists during interrogation.

It is patently clear that McCain's attack was motivated by Goldwater's strong opposition to McCain's amnesty (banana) legislation, and because of the Minutemen's endorsement of Goldwater. It was not due to any feelings of deep offense which necessitated McCain to ask state Republicans to reject Goldwater's candidacy.

This man is an embarrassment to all of us who base our political beliefs on the Party Platform and the Constitution. We cannot win elections by dissing the base... reference Bush 1 and Dole. Shushing activists for daring to point out that McCain is causing the Party to fracture is disingenuous. It is no secret. The person energizing our base is Napolitano, the one de-energizing our base is McCain.

At least Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Dennis Prager, Rush Limbaugh, Shaun Hannity, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt are exposing McCain's blunders almost daily. Maybe with the talk show hosts assistance, the grass roots activists will be able to give us a different candidate for president. It is sure certain the Republican hierarchy will not take him to task. Will their silence not make them complicit in his folly as he takes us off the cliff?

It is the Party Platform we coalesce around. Must we base the success or failure of the Party on one arrogant politician? I have heard your Party unity lecture too many times. I guess Party unity does not apply to McCain, eh Matt?


Sincerely,

Rob Haney
Republican Party Chairman
Legislative District 11