Will the real Republican Party please stand up?

Over the past two days, link and link, blogger Joe Monahan has painted a picture of two Republican Parties in New Mexico; one of common folks with the usual Republican inclinations, and the other of folks with nothing in common with common people, who are utterly out of touch with the common people (my words not Monahan's) and who carry big sticks in order to have their way; folks like the

"Pat Rogers-Jay McCleskey-Mickey Barnett-Keith Gardner-Darren White ruling faction of the GOP ..."

which, according to Monahan,

"... continues to beat up ABQ GOP congressional candidate Janice Arnold-Jones like a rented mule."

Rep Janice Arnold-Jones is the candidate of people, not of the Party. She has more than enough competence, character and courage to be a great Congresswoman. She does not have the blessings of the Party powerful, from whom, even loyal opposition "cowers".

Her independence has earned for her, "the deep personal animosity" of NM Republican Party heavy hitters like Darren White and Pat Rogers, who sees "the state going hell" because of support for Arnold-Jones.

All of this costs her the (financial) support of the NMRP and Governor Susana Martinez' political machine who would rather see a Democrat win the election, than Janice Arnold-Jones.

Monahan reports; "

Arnold-Jones is not only the subject of ridicule by Rogers and the gang, but they have also appeared to work to deprive her of campaign funds."

Monahan identifies Arnold-Jones as

a moderate with a history of being able to work across the aisle, and "... a persona non grata ... in the take-no-prisoners, die-before-you-compromise Martinez era ..."

Monahan believes;

"She could make a major splash and begin the process of rebuilding the moderate side of the GOP ..."

if only she weren't standing alone.

Will the real Republican Party please stand up? link




photos Mark Bralley