Will the real Republicans please stand up!

[5th Gen Local]

With the exception of Brad Drake, candidate for House Dist. 5, I have not seen one campaign flyer, ad or other political statement by any of the so called Republicans, on their position on core conservative values:

Abortion
Traditional definition of marriage
2nd amendment rights
Prayer in schools
etc.

Will the true Republicans let us know where you stand?

[ShallowsNole]

From another 5th generation SoWaller, who came out of the closet and registered Republican ten years ago:

Party politics has no place in local elections for county positions.

Brad is seeking a seat at the State level. There's a difference.

[DemoLady]

I agree with your statement, "Party politics has no place in local elections for county positions." It's been refreshing that much of the dialog surrounding these campaigns has centered around issues that candidates can actually do something about -- road maintenance, budgeting, land development, etc.

Even at the state and national level, the issues of abortion, gay rights, prayer in schools -- gasoline on the fire topics-- have taken a back seat to our more pressing problems -- economy, education, war, global warming. In my Democratic opinion, the real Republicans are taking the microphone and directing the dialog toward something government should and can be involved in -- not family/religious issues.

We don't all see "family values" in the same way, but we all pay the same high prices at the pump, and we all cry when our young men are killed in the service of our country.

[rapunzel]

With the exception of Brad Drake, candidate for House Dist. 5, I have not seen one campaign flyer, ad or other political statement by any of the so called Republicans, on their position on core conservative values:

Abortion
Traditional definition of marriage
2nd amendment rights
Prayer in schools
etc.

Will the true Republicans let us know where you stand?

Granted, I'm not a Republican. But are these truly the cornerstones of your party? I think defining your party so narrowly may turn many away from that Big Tent.

[goodwitch58]

With the exception of Brad Drake, candidate for House Dist. 5, I have not seen one campaign flyer, ad or other political statement by any of the so called Republicans, on their position on core conservative values:

Abortion
Traditional definition of marriage
2nd amendment rights
Prayer in schools
etc.

Will the true Republicans let us know where you stand?

These seem like very narrow social issues that have more to do with individual choice than a party value.

what happened to fiscal conservatism, small government, individual responsibility, and marketplace economics?

[jdarg]

These seem like very narrow social issues that have more to do with individual choice than a party value.

what happened to fiscal conservatism, small government, individual responsibility, and marketplace economics?

I am so glad y'all commented on this first- I have been sitting on my hands.:floor:I think the thread title should have read "Will the real Christian Conservatives please stand up?"

[goodwitch58]

I am so glad y'all commented on this first- I have been sitting on my hands.:floor:I think the thread title should have read "Will the real Christian Conservatives please stand up?"

Sometimes I think (some/many) Republicans have listened to the PlayBook Talking Points for so long they don't know what the party values are....come on, get off your hands and jump in!:funn:

[Gypsea]

I am so glad y'all commented on this first- I have been sitting on my hands.:floor:I think the thread title should have read "Will the real Christian Conservatives please stand up?"


and sometimes those "Christian ideas" don't seem so Christian like. ;-)

[DFSboy]

From another 5th generation SoWaller, who came out of the closet and registered Republican ten years ago:

Party politics has no place in local elections for county positions.

Brad is seeking a seat at the State level. There's a difference.


ShallowsNole,

I disagree. I, too, wish those other Republican Candidates would "Stand-Up" and let us know their respective positions on these important consertive issues. Ones' belief may not have a "place in local" offices in which he or she is actually seeking; however, as a Repulican Voter, I'd like to know the positions of those seeking local offices to better learn about who I personally choose to cast my vote for, or not.

Voting is a personal choice anyway. And, most state politicians, like Brade Drake, start at a more local level, thereby giving themselves a boost when later running for election at a higher level. So yeah, "Stand-Up" Republican Candidates...

[DFSboy]

Granted, I'm not a Republican. But are these truly the cornerstones of your party? I think defining your party so narrowly may turn many away from that Big Tent.

Ok, as a Republican I can answer this one. Yes, yes indeed these are important issues to my party. Remember, voting is a personal choice, and the position of a sheriff candidate (for example) on these important issues should have an effect on a Republican Voters' decision when casting a vote.

Rhonda Skipper shared (via printed material) her positions on some of these and other important conservative issues during her initial bid for tax collecter four years ago, and I really appreaciated it---wheather I agreed or not, which I did.

[DFSboy]

Sometimes I think (some/many) Republicans have listened to the PlayBook Talking Points for so long they don't know what the party values are....come on, get off your hands and jump in!:funn:

Now that's a way to put it!!

[Smiling JOe]

With the exception of Brad Drake, candidate for House Dist. 5, I have not seen one campaign flyer, ad or other political statement by any of the so called Republicans, on their position on core conservative values:

Abortion
Traditional definition of marriage
2nd amendment rights
Prayer in schools
etc.

Will the true Republicans let us know where you stand?

The people running for local offices don't control theses things. The State licenses marriage, the Fed Gov't handles the 2nd Ammendment, and God handles prayer (many kids pray in school for many different things.)

[Smiling JOe]

I am so glad y'all commented on this first- I have been sitting on my hands.:floor:I think the thread title should have read "Will the real Christian Conservatives please stand up?"Jesus didn't pack heat.

[DFSboy]

These seem like very narrow social issues that have more to do with individual choice than a party value.

what happened to fiscal conservatism, small government, individual responsibility, and marketplace economics?

Are you voting for a person or a politician? I bet the person(s) may you vote for would ask you refer to them as a person, and not a POLITICIAN. So, therefore, why not know a little about that PERSON you are voting for---especially since they (Republicans) have chosen to join a particular party, by choice, with such a reputation of strong conservative values.

[Smiling JOe]

Ok, as a Republican I can answer this one. Yes, yes indeed these are important issues to my party. Remember, voting is a personal choice, and the position of a sheriff candidate (for example) on these important issues should have an effect on a Republican Voters' decision when casting a vote.

...

:idontno: So you think that a Democratic Sheriff would enforce the laws differently than a Republican Sheriff? That math doesn't add up. The Sheriff is not to decide which laws to enforce and which laws to let slide. He or she must enforce the laws equally, without prejudice. There is a good reason for division of the branches of gov't.

[Smiling JOe]

Are you voting for a person or a politician? I bet the person(s) may you vote for would ask you refer to them as a person, and not a POLITICIAN. So, therefore, why not know a little about that PERSON you are voting for---especially since they (Republicans) have chosen to join a particular party, by choice, with such a reputation of strong conservative values.
I fail to see this "reputation of strong conservative values" in the Republican Party.

[scooterbug44]

With the exception of Brad Drake, candidate for House Dist. 5, I have not seen one campaign flyer, ad or other political statement by any of the so called Republicans, on their position on core conservative values:

Abortion
Traditional definition of marriage
2nd amendment rights
Prayer in schools
etc.

Will the true Republicans let us know where you stand?

If those are the "core" issues of the Republican Party, I'm voting Democrat!

There are much bigger and more important issues IMO and using those as a litmus test for a local election just seems like a witchhunt.

[DFSboy]

:idontno: So you think that a Democratic Sheriff would enforce the laws differently than a Republican Sheriff? That math doesn't add up. The Sheriff is not to decide which laws to enforce and which laws to let slide. He or she must enforce the laws equally, without prejudice. There is a good reason for division of the branches of gov't.


Smiling JOe,

No, that is not what I suggested at all, Smiling JOe. The math that I calculate says that I am voting for a PERSON, and that I would like to know these positions (as originally mentioned) in which that PERSON stands, as well as other issues. And, why that PERSON (Republican) chooses to voluntarily join a certain group (by registering Republican). Especially since that "certain group" has a huge reputation of being strongly conservative on many issues like mentioned. So, if a local Sheriff Candidate (for example) has chosen to be a Republican, then why? Prove it, or “Stand-Up” as a person like Rhonda Skipper did four years ago.

LETS GO BACK FOUR YEARS NOW:
Most everyone I've heard speak on the issue blamed "diluted" votes as reason that Sheriff Johnson still collected the most votes in the primary four years ago. However, perhaps some of those same people (SEE "TIME FOR SOME TO DROP OUT" THREAD) have suggested that Sheriff Johnson won the general election due to his party affiliation; regardless that he was so, so hated by so, so many Republicans, and the fact that many of his Republican opponents later publicly endorsed the Democrat Candidate (Billy McKee) in the general election.

So, Smiling JOe, did all those people assume that Democratic Candidate Billy McKee would NOT "enforce the laws equally" or “decide which laws to enforce or which laws to let slide” due to his party affiliation?

[Smiling JOe]

I am going to register as a Republican tomorrow, so that I can vote in the Sheriff's race (I don't think the lone Democrat is worthy of the position), but don't go throwing me and the others who follow suit, into the same batch with the Christian Conservatives who are also usually in the GOP.

I read your follow up post and still don't understand how you think that a conservative Sheriff would uphold the laws differently than a liberal Sheriff. I really don't understand your direct question to me in that last paragraph. It would be impossible for me to accurately assume why people vote as they do. Each person has their own reason.

[DFSboy]

I am going to register as a Republican tomorrow, so that I can vote in the Sheriff's race (I don't think the lone Democrat is worthy of the position), but don't go throwing me and the others who follow suit, into the same batch with the Christian Conservatives who are also usually in the GOP.

I read your follow up post and still don't understand how you think that a conservative Sheriff would uphold the laws differently than a liberal Sheriff. I really don't understand your direct question to me in that last paragraph. It would be impossible for me to accurately assume why people vote as they do. Each person has their own reason.


Smiling JOe,

Welcome to the Republican Party, by choice; you’re in the batch now. However, it seems to me you may be better suited as an Independent.

[sowalgayboi]

DFSBoy, when has Sheriff Ralph Johnson displayed his "core republican values"?

When he got the county involved in a discrimination lawsuit? When he tried to illegally spend funds that were supposed to be returned to the county?

Say what you want, but my impression of a Republican was one that followed the fiscally conservative, small government, and personal freedoms party line. Not the very recent addition of conservative christian values and spending like a drunken sailor.

[Smiling JOe]

I AM independent, and as soon as possible after I cast my vote in this local election, I will promptly switch back. It is absurd that I have to change freakin' political parties to vote on the local level, but I do it because I want my vote against Ralph Johnson to count.

[DFSboy]

DFSBoy, when has Sheriff Ralph Johnson displayed his "core republican values"?

When he got the county involved in a discrimination lawsuit? When he tried to illegally spend funds that were supposed to be returned to the county?

Say what you want, but my impression of a Republican was one that followed the fiscally conservative, small government, and personal freedoms party line. Not the very recent addition of conservative christian values and spending like a drunken sailor.

sowalgayboi,

What does this Thread have to do specifically with Sheriff Ralph Johnson, besides him being one of many Republican Candidates that are being asked to share their beliefs/thoughts or basically where they stands on certain issues---not necessarily pertaining to being elected Sheriff? However, I'd like to hear him reply just as any other local Republican Candidate. They (Republican Candidates) have decided, by choice, to associate themselves with a party. Why?

But to you, sowalgayboi, try now staying on track; remember the question I asked you in the first sentence as written in the above paragraph, should you decide to respond to this reply.

And by the way, if you would read my earlier comment(s) more carefully, you would notice that the sheriff's race was mentioned solely as an example.

[sowalgayboi]

sowalgayboi,

What does this Thread have to do specifically with Sheriff Ralph Johnson, besides him being one of many Republican Candidates that are being asked to share their beliefs/thoughts or basically where they stands on certain issues---not necessarily pertaining to being elected Sheriff? However, I'd like to hear him reply just as any other local Republican Candidate. They (Republican Candidates) have decided, by choice, to associate themselves with a party. Why?

But to you, sowalgayboi, try now staying on track; remember the question I asked you in the first sentence as written in the above paragraph, should you decide to respond to this reply.

And by the way, if you would read my earlier comment(s) more carefully, you would notice that the sheriff's race was mentioned solely as an example.

In your earlier responses you stated that you felt officials should give their views on "conservative values" because it is a stepping stone to further things. As far as the Sheriff goes that is the highest elected office any law enforcement office can hold in Florida if not the country. So a Sheriff's candidate isn't going to go off and run for a higher law enforcement office.

So I ask you, would you vote for one cadidate over the other if all of their beliefs were in line except say for instance abortion? Even though at a county level this issue would never come up you would still vote for the other candidate that agreed with you? I don't understand where this comes into play in county level elections. How do you or the Republican party prioritize which issue is a higher priority?

I realize that you mention how county level elections are a stepping stone for politicians, but can you name one state or federal elected official that served as an elected official in Walton county?

It seems to me to add these issues is only to muddy the waters and shift focus away from important issues at hand, such as education, development, and budget issues.

[cp]

I hope moral values cross party lines at all levels of government.

[ameliaj]

and sometimes those "Christian ideas" don't seem so Christian like. ;-)
Amen, sister!

[hnooe]

Ok, as a Republican I can answer this one. Yes, yes indeed these are important issues to my party. Remember, voting is a personal choice, and the position of a sheriff candidate (for example) on these important issues should have an effect on a Republican Voters' decision when casting a vote.

Rhonda Skipper shared (via printed material) her positions on some of these and other important conservative issues during her initial bid for tax collecter four years ago, and I really appreaciated it---wheather I agreed or not, which I did.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yes. And I for one definitely want my Tax Collector to stand firmly against abortion and gay marriage--I mean, it does make total logical sense, doesn't it? She will only be the more honest and fair when it come to collecting our taxes, right?

Rhonda said it, I believe it, and that settles it! humpf!

[hnooe]

and sometimes those "Christian ideas" don't seem so Christian like. ;-)

very true. It is like anything that gets closed off from debate and analysis, it festers and ends up hurting people. I really now understand the quote, "Jesus , save me from your followers."

[Everytime]

5th Gen Local & DFSBoy:

I don't live in your county/state, but my county's voting record (Shelby County, Alabama) is very similar to that of Walton County. 100% of our elected officials are Republicans, and our county's voters tend to vote 75% - 80% Republican at the state and national level.

Why is it so necessary to pigeonhole candidates, and for that matter, voters, on individual issues? I may agree with you on some of the issues and disagree with you on others, and there may be other "conservative" values which I hold that you may disagree with. I've voted mostly Republican my entire voting life, and pulled for the Republican candidates since I was a kid and knew what voting was. Am I not a "true" or "real" Republican based on your selection criteria? Who is on the committee that determines which of these criteria we must meet to be considered Republicans?

[Gypsea]

5th Gen Local & DFSBoy:

I don't live in your county/state, but my county's voting record (Shelby County, Alabama) is very similar to that of Walton County. 100% of our elected officials are Republicans, and our county's voters tend to vote 75% - 80% Republican at the state and national level.

Why is it so necessary to pigeonhole candidates, and for that matter, voters, on individual issues? I may agree with you on some of the issues and disagree with you on others, and there may be other "conservative" values which I hold that you may disagree with. I've voted mostly Republican my entire voting life, and pulled for the Republican candidates since I was a kid and knew what voting was. Am I not a "true" or "real" Republican based on your selection criteria? Who is on the committee that determines which of these criteria we must meet to be considered Republicans?

Excellent point. I have always wondered why to be considered either a "true" R or a D you have to go down a list and check all the boxes. Who made up the non negotiable list anyway? Why don't politicians set all of that aside, take the best ideas from both camps and end up doing whats best for the American people? That is what Teddy Roosevelt would do. ;-)

[Andy A.]

5th Gen Local & DFSBoy:

I don't live in your county/state, but my county's voting record (Shelby County, Alabama) is very similar to that of Walton County. 100% of our elected officials are Republicans, and our county's voters tend to vote 75% - 80% Republican at the state and national level.

Why is it so necessary to pigeonhole candidates, and for that matter, voters, on individual issues? I may agree with you on some of the issues and disagree with you on others, and there may be other "conservative" values which I hold that you may disagree with. I've voted mostly Republican my entire voting life, and pulled for the Republican candidates since I was a kid and knew what voting was. Am I not a "true" or "real" Republican based on your selection criteria? Who is on the committee that determines which of these criteria we must meet to be considered Republicans?

Excellent point. I have always wondered why to be considered either a "true" R or a D you have to go down a list and check all the boxes. Who made up the non negotiable list anyway? Why don't politicians set all of that aside, take the best ideas from both camps and end up doing whats best for the American people? That is what Teddy Roosevelt would do. ;-)
While I certainly agree with what you say regarding party affiliation and how it is determined, unfortunately it appears to me we do not have the caliber of politicians such as was Teddy Roosevelt. The politicians, especially at the national level, seem only interested in their own selfish interests and the creation of more personal power. We need a change in this country alright but I'm not sure this election will bring about smaller government, more personal responsibility, less creation of a welfare state and fewer demands on the working public to support those who don't. These are a few of the changes needed, IMO. They have nothing to do with whether you are a Republican or Democrat. They have to do with "common sense" which seems to be greatly lacking in most of our politicians these days.

[Margarita]

[quote=Gypsea;438948]
While I certainly agree with what you say regarding party affiliation and how it is determined, unfortunately it appears to me we do not have the caliber of politicians such as was Teddy Roosevelt. The politicians, especially at the national level, seem only interested in their own selfish interests and the creation of more personal power. We need a change in this country alright but I'm not sure this election will bring about smaller government, more personal responsibility, less creation of a welfare state and fewer demands on the working public to support those who don't. These are a few of the changes needed, IMO. They have nothing to do with whether you are a Republican or Democrat. They have to do with "common sense" which seems to be greatly lacking in most of our politicians these days.

:clap::clap::clap: