UNITY: Built around platform

I have to say that I have a great deal of respect for the Kootenai County Republican Women Federated. They have often passed out copies of the Constitution to the young people and from time to time have arranged dinners with excellent speakers. I consider Kallie Palm to be a friend. I also support Tina Jacobson, chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee. I believe that some of the things that happen in any Central Committee meeting must be classed as “privilege of the chairman.”

I have run for state office several times but did not always get the needed support of some on the Central Committee because I was considered too conservative. In at least one instance I am sure that cost me the election.

Over the years we had watched the Central Committee become more liberal. That being the case some decided it was time that more conservative Republicans be elected to those positions. This was met with some success and, surprisingly, those of more liberal bent quit coming to the Central Committee meetings.

Now, when we were outnumbered we continued to work for those in the party with whom we disagreed, but when they were no longer in control they just quit coming.

I believe that you can ask any of the new people who say they support the Constitution and they will tell you they decided to run because we needed to see more people on the Central Committee who support Republican principles and the Republican Party Platform.

It has often been stated that the Republican Party is the “party of the big tent.” To some extent I am sure that is true. However, I believe that if you are going to run as a Republican and do not support the party platform you are being dishonest for the simple reason that many people will vote for you simply because you are a Republican.

Now, we all say we support the Constitution, yet many have never even read it. We need unity in the Party and the Central Committee, but that unity must be built around the Party Platform. Show me where anyone does not support that platform and I, along with you, will work to elect someone else in their place.

Comments: jimhollingsworth@frontier.com

JIM HOLLINGSWORTH

Coeur d’Alene