A county coup

This is sort of what I envisioned for our Lincoln Day Dinner next year; of course the problem may be that our usual February date is too far away from the state’s primary date and by the time we get to the primary the field may be winnowed down to perhaps two or three contenders who will be looking for votes in larger counties.

But Howard County was fortunate enough to secure a presidential candidate for their Lincoln Day Dinner the other night. Herman Cain made an impassioned pitch in his stump speech.

What I’m sharing is parts 2 and 3 of a video produced by O.P. Ditch of Elkridge. The introduction of Cain in part 2 is by our state’s RNC national committeeman, Louis Pope.

It gets me to wondering whether we’ll see any of the presidential contenders for our state convention this fall, wherever they decide it will be held. I’m not holding my breath that any of them will come to Salisbury, but you never know. (Historians: when was the last time a active Presidential candidate came to Salisbury? Ever?)

Obviously at this stage Cain wasn’t talking a whole lot about policy, but more about philosophy. And he knew he’d have a friendly crowd which isn’t too happy about the leadership in Washington. Fair enough. Given his rags to riches story, I think he’s a good addition to the race and perhaps we are seeing our next President in this video. But I’m chomping at the bit for more contenders to get into the race and start outlining their platforms so I can see who to get behind.

There is one other comparison to draw, though. Our state Red, White, and Blue Dinner on June 23 will feature Newt Gingrich for the second time in three years. The minimum charge there is $200, compared to the $75 minimum Howard County charged for hearing Cain speak. (In 2009 the state party charged $125 to see Gingrich.) I guess becoming a candidate means you cost more?

If our GOP gets more active thanks to the in-state tuition for illegal immigrants petition drive, perhaps we can see more candidates trolling for votes all over the state. I’m sure the folks out Garrett County way would like to see a little love from the GOP contenders too.

But kudos to Howard County for having the foresight to snag Cain as a speaker. I’ll bet they did quite well.

 

Author: Michael

It's me from my laptop computer.

2 thoughts on “A county coup”

  1. Michael,

    I would say if you want that kind of talent, 1) you have to start early, and 2) you have to be willing to take a risk. Cain is still trying to build some momentum and has to compete against a very lethargic party establishment. Now is the time to jump “outside the box”. He’s a compelling speaker, whether he ends up running or not.

    The same could be said for a Michele Bachmann or yes, a Sarah Palin. (Especially Sarah). Or a Paul Ryan. Maybe even a Tim Pawlenty (I love his honesty on ethanol, even though I remain uncommitted to any candidate yet).

    I would definitely go outside the mainstream. Don’t let the “county establishment” pick the speaker. Choose the speaker that will draw in conservatives who otherwise wouldn’t show up.

    Take a risk… and start early.

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