Gay Marriage

In Hawaii the State Legislature has passed a bill legalizing civil unions. It currently awaits the signature or veto of Governor Linda Lingie. One of the arguements against gay marraigee that has been advanced is that the bible says it is wrong. The truth is the bible does not provide an authoritative source about gay marraige or anything related to homosexuality. Jesus does not even mention homosexuality in the bible. Homosexuality is mentioned in the bible, however this merely amounts to the opinions that people not God or the Son of God held 2000 years ago. So let us not pretend that the bible provides a rule handed down from God himself on this issue. We have humans from 2000 years ago telling us what to do.

Advice for Independents

Independents seem to have trouble getting elected so I am offering some free advice as someone who has worked a few campaigns and remains active in politics.

First develop a bench of candidates. Have your party members serve on various boards and commissions. There are many too choose from. Having your members on on these boards serves two purposes. First of all, these boards do have influence on their community. Also they can serve as farm teams for local offices such as city council, state legislature, mayor, and school board. In order to win big time offices you first need to win local.

Secondly, form fundraising committees and target races that you both want to win and can win. Don't bother running a cinderella candidate for statewide office, or president. You get to talk a lot, but you don't accomplish much until you are in office. These committees can be Party committees similar to the Democratic and Republican Congressional and Senate Campaign Committees. Also, develop supporters who will form PACS. Money does not corrupt an honest person.

As Independents do not be afraid to do political favors for others even if they may be of another party. Their interests may line up with yours. They will then owe you a favor which you may call in at some point.

Organize and develop grassroots as well as a party structure with officers and so forth. Continue to work between elections.

Basically do what the Republicans and Democrats do. I know Independents may be loath to follow the example of the major parties, but it is a system that works.

Sacrificing Moderate Voters for Immigration

In a year when the Republican party should be set to take advantage of dissatisfaction with the incumbent majority party, Gov Jan Brewer has forced them into a corner by passing the radical no immigration law. Republicans in the West who have come out in support of this law play an extremely dangerous game. While it is always important to activate your base, in the West moderates and independent voters are the keys to the kingdom.
Hispanics are typically a voting block that is in play and they see this law as racial profiling that makes their very presence illegal. It is not just Hispanic or even Democrats that oppose this law Even moderate Republicans are uneasy about this law.
Republicans have gambled that they will activate enough of their base voters to offset the moderates and Hispanics they have sacrificed. Democrats have seized on this issue as a gift and are opposing this law as unamerican, racist, and even fascist.

To caucus or not to caucus

Presumptive Jane Norton has decided to skip the caucus and assembly process alltogether. She has chosen to go the petition route instead. She will win the primary eventually. However the caucus process is important for a candidate. It allows a candidate to appeal to the base. You make friends with volunteers on the other campaigns. Even if people were not going to vote for you they do not appreciate being denied the opportunity to do so. This move will reduce the amount of active supporters she has after the primary. Skipping the primary will cost Jane Norton a minimum of 5% points in the General Election.