Wyoming Vote Tracker

Yesterday I was at a super-secret meeting. I love saying that. I only say it was super secret because it was a meeting that was intended for a small core-group of Lummis supporters, so it was not widely publicized. Direct phone calls were made to parties that would be interested (I being one such party), and at the appointed place and time, we met. I am not going to delve into all of what happened. It was your basic campaign strategy meeeting. But some good topics were brought up, one of which I want to you to ponder for yourself.One of the discussions that came up was the issue of grassroots campaigning vs. “buying votes.” There is an obvious contest in the Republican Congressional Primary. Granted, there are four candidates, and all four of them will have their groups of people that come out for them and such, but the Aug. 19th showdown is likely going to be between Cynthia Lummis and Mark Gordon, and it’s pretty easy to see which campaign style each of them is condicting.

As the discussion progressed, we ended up talking about “known people” who are supporters. Of course there is one very politically famous family in this town whose last name starts with “S,” and unfortunately they aren’t publically taking sides in the race. Honestly, it’s a sad thing, not matter how “understandable” their non-position may be.

I tend to think that elder member of the family in question just might be trying to reserve his influence, which can be very powerful (except in the 2006 gubernatorial race)  and let the people figure out for themselves who the best candidate is.

But then there is the younger member of the famous family. He’s currently a very politically active man, and he has some political aspirations over the next several months and he has even hinted at some a couple years down the road. For whatever reason, these aspirations seem to be preventing him from “sticking his neck out” as Harlan Edmonds recently put it in describing the Governor’s delayed endorsement of Sen. Obama.  I would not say that the Governor and State Representative in question are on the same political stripes, but, there is something to be said for an elected official and/or candidate that is willing to step up to the plate and say to a candidate that’s in a race for an open seat “I’ll be here for you,” especially when noted elected official/candidate does not have a contested race to deal with.

Here in Park County, we have a contested county commissioner race. FIve candidates are running for an open seat. In that race, I have chosen to support Terry Hinkle. Interestingly enough, he was at this meeting for Lummis supporters. After we went through this discussion, I have a new admiration for Terry. He’s got his own busy campaign to deal with, but he also wants to help get Cynthia Lummis elected.

Another potential stumbling block that was raised is the gender difference. It’s tough for a man to get out and support a woman (until said woman has the party’s nomination). I have no problem with a woman being a County Commissioner, a State Legislator, a Senator, or Representative. I could even go for the right woman to be Governor. Come to think of it, I admire Governor Palin of Alaska so much, I wouldn’t mind seeing her get picked for Veep.

So, where am I going with all this?

1. Get out there and support somebody (might I suggest Cynthia Lummis?)
2. Fellas, it’s not going to kill you to go out and publicly support a woman.
3. Even if you do have political aspirations, take a chance on helping out a candidate. Someday, you just might need their help.

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