Primary season is now over. The people had their say and their voices were heard loud and clear. After all the ballots were tabulated last Tuesday night, it seems that Schuylkill Republicans are comfortable with the War Board leading the party, but want members of the reform wing to have a seat at the table. Though disappointed, I have embraced the voters’ decision. From the beginning, my goal was not to tear the GOP apart. Rather, my intention was to give those who felt disenfranchised by the current power structure of the party a voice. In my mind, we were successful. Against all odds, Gary Hornberger is the Republican nominee for the 125th legislative district. He is now positioned as the leader of the reform movement and a pivotal figure within the party itself. So, where do we go from here?
At the outset of our journey, we wanted to return the Schuylkill GOP to its roots: Lower taxes, open government, fiscal responsibility, less government intrusion into personal lives, and social conservative values. These ideals are what the Republican Party was founded upon and stand as the vehicle by which our party came to prominence under President Ronald Reagan in 1980 and Newt Gingrich’s “Young Turks” in 1994. Our departure from these values both locally and nationally led to our downfall over the past two years. In large part, I believe we succeeded in sending the message to our leadership that this is where we want the party to return. We need not only look to Hornberger’s victory, but also to Rep. David Argall’s admission that he screwed up with the midnight pay raise and Scott Thomas’ winning campaign platform, as evidence.
When Argall stated that he regreted his vote a few weeks ago, that was the first time he had said as much. As far as politicians go, that was as close to an apology as we’re going to get. If a tough primary challenge from a strong fiscal conservative like John Schickram has scared Mr. Argall straight, then I’ll take it.
As for Thomas, from the beginning he ran a campaign of reform. I didn’t buy it, but many did. It is undeniable that Thomas based his run for state committee on changing the status quo. If he actually delivers on his promises and sticks to his purported ideals, than we may have a friend in Scott Thomas.
My point is that the reform movement is no longer some loose confederation of party radicals, who complain about everything, but accomplish nothing. The people have given us power. How we wield that power is up to us. We now have an opportunity to use our victories as leverage to get our foot in the door of the county committee. and enact real change. Or we can do what Bud Angst does and stand out on the front lawn howling endlessly at the moon, a strategy that impresses no one, annoys everyone, and doesn’t change a damned thing.
Hopefully, in the coming weeks, the establishment will seek to unify the party by extending an olive branch out to us. If they are serious and wish to integrate our people and ideas into the party, I pray that we are smart enough to at least listen. Otherwise, many Schuylkill GOP reformers will have larengitis by mid-summer.
