OC Weekly's Matt Coker: GOP EATS ITS OWN

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Posted Sept. 20, 3 p.m.

GOP EATS ITS OWN

We weren't there, seeing as how we had a back-hair waxing appointment to keep, but this past weekend's state Republican convention apparently welcomed warmly the congressional candidacy of someone who is not registered with their party. That's what happened if we are to believe immigration-reforming Minuteman Jim Gilchrist's website (and we have no reason not to believe a political candidate's website would impartially relate the reception their candidate received, especially in light of the fact we could find no reports elsewhere substantiating that claim. But believing him makes this item click better, so we're going with it...).

(snip)

Jim was invited to speak to several of the activist meetings in Workshops and Caucus Meetings, and his straight talk about our border crisis and the need for new leadership was warmly received at each by the base of the Republican Party faithful. The urgent imperative to act to defend our borders and communities that is the question of the hour placed before America -- and before the voters of CA's 48th Congressional District on October 4th -- was widely acknowledged by those attending the GOP gathering.

Good showing there, Jimbo. But, apparently, that warm welcome didn't sit well with at least one of Gilchrist's Republican oppenents in the race. Like your last prom date, John Campbell wanted all the attention placed on him (seeing as how he'd go on to get the party's endorsement over Marilyn "Deader Than an Impaled Newport Sea Lion" Brewer. And now, according to a news flash Gilchrist just faxed the Weekly (and we have no reason not to believe a political candidate's fax would impartially relate the chilly reception their candidate received from a foe, especially in light of the fact ...), Campbell now wants those Republicans who were cooing over Gilchrist out of the party.

Attendees of the state convention of the California GOP were shocked upon to learn that operatives of candidate John Campbell threatened supporters of Congressional candidate Jim Gilchrist who "supports, advocates, or assists in any way" the Gilchrist campaign with "expulsion from the California Republican Party."

SIDENOTE: Aren't Republican foes of campaign finance reform always yammering on about how it would infringe on their right to free speech? But if you exercise your rights to free speech in helping a candidate, you've gotta be tossed from the party? Sheesh.

(snip)

SIDENOTE: Aren't Republicans always yammering about how illegal immigration is the kind of wedge issue that they could use to help Arnie/take back some sorely needed legislative seats? So now their hand-picked congressional candidate is risking inflamming that base, choosing to shoo Gilchrist supporters away rather than wooing them in. Why, that could turn off just enough of the electorate that they could lose the seat to -- MOTHER OF ALL GULPS!!! -- a Democrat? In Newport Beach? The very idea gives Clockwork skidmarks.

http://www.ocweekly.com/ink/06/02/web-coker.php