Republicans are in a tough time

We've had one mighty fine spell of weather here in Southern Maine, and it seems it will continue at least through the weekend, the last one in August.  The weather gods have sure made up for some lousy weather earlier this summer.  Unfortunately, the end of summer is now in sight.

The Republicans will hold their national convention in Tampa next week, but the weather gods have decided they might have some fun of their own.  There's a chance a hurricane, or perhaps just a massive tropical storm will cross through or near Tampa.  And I'm really mentioning here a weather event, not an event that could erupt from the Maine delegation to the convention.

Although no final decision had been made as I wrote these thoughts, it appears that the Republican National Committee (RNC) has recommended that the Maine delegation be split between Mitt Romney and Ron Paul delegates.  The Maine convention last May elected 20 Paul delegates to represent the state.  Four others, such as the governor, party chairman, and national committeeman and national committeewoman, are automatically included in the delegation.

As I wrote in my last post (link to it is on the right), a couple of "traditional" Republicans challenged the legality of the vote.  The RNC has decided the solution should be to split the elected portion of the delegation equally and even has named the recommended delegates of the "party regulars."

In my way of thinking, a compromise is something that brings sides together with agreement.  The Paul delegates have not, and as of Thursday at least, say they will not accept the solution.  Another point that disturbs me is this:  Why, if proof was given that the delegates were not legitimately elected, were they all not thrown out and a new election demanded? 

As I said last time, absent of clear proof of irregularities, the delegation as elected  should be seated.  As I've said before, I would never have supported Ron Paul as our nominee and he won't be nominated now.  But, because the Paul supporters were simply better organized and prepared for the convention is not a reason to throw half of them out now.  We'll have a clearer picture probably before this weekend is over.

The Republican Party, both in Maine and by events elsewhere in the country, is not looking too good as a result of their own actions this summer.  It could lead to a disastrous November.

Dave