Unfortunately, the Bush administration and the candidacy of John McCain and Sarah Palin has disenfranchised many of the everyday Republican voters. These Republicans may not have voted for President Obama, but they also understand that voting no on every single issue put forward by our president without any thoughtful contribution or compromise is not leadership.
Bob Bennett, who is a conservative, made an attempt to solve America’s health care crisis. He was blasted by the Tea Party for this and for his vote on TARP. Although I was not pleased that our nation was put in this position I doubt that the two new GOP contenders would have voted differently, but when you covet power, some people will say anything to appease the Tea Party delegates who have been allowed to take over the GOP in their attempt to rebuild the GOP base.
Over the years, GOP think tanks have learned that single issue voters will show up and vote at conventions and primaries where most of the decisions are made as to who will represent us. They use wedge issues based on frustration and prejudice to build a base instead of utilizing issues and leadership that inspires solutions and hope.
Why? Because using fear and anger is a time proven tactic to turn out voters.
Unfortunately, the same thing is happening with Utah Democrats. Anger and frustration at Rep. Jim Matheson's no vote on health care reform has forced him into a primary.
Although his opponent Claudia Wright is a wonderful person, most of the delegates that voted for her were actually voting against Matheson because of his decision to represent the majority of his constituents by voting against health care reform.
Even though health care reform passed, the anger at Matheson’s no vote has forced Matheson into a primary because to some delegates voting with congressional Democrats 92 percent of the time isn’t Democratic enough.
Although I understand their frustration I find the challenge to unseat Matheson short sighted. Jim has earned the trust of the majority of his constituents and having Jim on the ballot helps Peter Corroon, Sheryl Allen and Sam Granato, as well as other down-ticket Democratic candidates.
However, I can’t blame these activists. I admire that they show up to ensure that their voices are heard. Some say that the parties are too polarized, but it is my opinion that it is the everyday voter who doesn’t take the time to participate in the caucus and convention system who needs to look in the mirror before blaming the so-called extremist who takes the time to show up.
We are all affected by what happens in our government. If we truly value our freedom and our citizenship then we need to participate. If we do not then we have no one to blame but ourselves.
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