Pullen Ahead

Randy Pullen has been elected the Republican Party Chairman by a 4 vote Margin. 

Comments

[AZ Blogger]

God help the Arizona Republican Party!

[Evan]

Second!

[HONEST ABE]

Randy, you have received your wish to become chairman, thank God. There could not have been a better outcome in my view. Randy, you will immediately discover what the " Party Power Players" have known all along, given this outcome, the " Well" will be dry when the fundraising begins for the Pullen pack of predacious party pulverizers!! Good luck...because even God won't be able to help you now...
Honest Abe

[Tim]

Ah yes, there's that unity we were promised when all was said and done... Taking your balls and going home already? Typical... If Lisa had won we'd be hearing about forgiving and forgetting and healing and all of that. Grow up, get over it, respect the process and get on board with the rest of the Republican Party. Try to remember you're adults now...

[206isCancer]

I am quite relieved that Randy Pullen won the AZ GOP Chairmanship today. But it was much closer than I thought it would be- not based upon anything in particular, but just my own opinion. If Lisa James could have swayed only 2 people to switch votes, we would have had a tie. I have no idea what would have happened as a tiebreaker, but that would have been really interesting. From what I understand Trent Franks and Len Munsil both gave very passionate speeches in favor of Lisa James and may have been major reasons why the vote ended up being so tight.

Anyway, I’ve always been a bit of a rebel. I never do things just because I am told that is what I am supposed to do, and there was a lot of that coming from Arizona’s entire Republican Congressional Delegation and most of the other GOP powers-that-be trying to gather support for Lisa James.

After the election today, a friend of mine told me that she was upset because now “DC has written off Arizona.” This friend has what I consider to be a fatal flaw in that she tends to do, say, and believe whatever those who rule from on-high say would be best. I thought that was a rather stupid thing to say or believe that the AZGOP with Randy Pullen at its helm is just D.O.A. in terms of national support and if this proves to be true would be even dumber. My friend believes that those in DC and the other powers-that-be wanted James to win because she had previously ran Victory (even though Republicans in AZ got their behinds handed them in ’06 throughout Arizona) and because James would not fail miserably at fundraising like these powers-that-be were confident would be the case if Pullen were to run the AZGOP.

First let me recall for all how well Arizona Victory did under the leadership of Lisa James in 2006: Governor’s race- a huge loss; A.G. race- a huge loss; Congressional races- huge losses; US Senate race- far closer than expected; State Senate- losses; State House- even more losses. That would have been a pretty good résumé upon which James could have campaigned! Ok, I know that there were many factors (local, state, and national) that contributed to GOP losses across Arizona in ’06, but “Victory 06” turned out to be anything but that. Also, wouldn’t it be more than a bit juvenile if people are not going to give money to the AZGOP because Randy Pullen happens to be the Chairman? Yes, people get hurt when their horse in the race loses but elections are decided by voters not based upon what some dictate or creed from on-high states is in the best interest of the voters.

I responded to my friend that I thought that Randy Pullen would do just fine, and then asked why she believed otherwise.

Her response to this was that she lived “in reality.”

“Ouch!” I thought.

And then I responded: “I’m glad that I refuse to live in such a horrible reality. I would hope that 231 years ago I would have supported the American Revolution and not the king.”

My point is that I am sick of being told that somebody else knows who the best choice is for me, best for my family, best for Pima County, best for CD8, Arizona, or America. I don’t always agree with the decisions that voters make. I licked my wounds after the ’06 election just like most Republicans did. But I accepted the results. I’m not going to be some nut-job lib Dem who thinks that Diebold, the CIA, and the Bush Administration really stole the election again, just this time from Republicans. Voters are allowed to express anger, and they did.

The fact that the leadership in Washington wants to tell us who we should have as our local, state, or Congressional leaders is almost reason enough to do the exact opposite. This might be especially true since that same Washington leadership is so unpopular right now and has proven to be so inept. In my opinion, I’ll just let other people continue to drink the Kool-Aid and follow the King. As for me, I think that I’ll just do what I do best and decide who to vote for based upon what I think is best. Congratulations Randy Pullen! You were the best candidate and good luck in your new job.

[GingerSnap]

I echo 206isCancer's comments. I think there was a huge contigency today that is just sick of being told what to do, who to vote for, and what is best for them. The fact is that even the Republican base is sick of the Republicans. The party has been a constant disappointment lately, from Victory 2006 to actions taken by its public figures like Nathan Sproul to dropping the ball on issues important to us. Even if Randy Pullen was not the best candidate, he was not the party's candidate. That, in my book, makes him the best choice.

Today, the AZ Republican base gave the finger to the party. If that means nationally we are written off - awesome! Now we can control our own destiny.

[206 fan]

206isCancer has by far the most intelligent, insightful posts on the AZ blogs I've read. Yet again, he makes a good point; Arizona's relationship with DC is a non-issue and will likely remain exactly the same. We are not a key state for the primary and we are now a Very Purple state for the general election in '08 (way to go Victory '06). Arizona will likely be seeing more money coming in than in '04 as we'll have a real fight on our hands. Luckily quality leadership is finally in place. Pullen may not be everyone's favorite guy, but at least he's not an incompetant boob.

[Nightcrawler]

I agree !

I did support Lisa James. That being said, I have always had a tremendous respect for Randy Pullen and feel that his business acumen will serve him well in his new position. We were lucky to have had two fine candidates. The end of the AZGOP world in not near and we as a party will unite in spite of all the nay sayers. Let us put all the negativity behind us and build a great party. The time to start is today, right now.

[Senator Ron Gould]

I personally felt that having a contested election for Republican Party Chairman was a breath of fresh air. For the last several years, the Chairman was merely anoited by the insiders.

We have had a couple of lobbyists claim that they would withhold their donations to the party. I say good riddens! If we look at our loss this election, Part of the problem was the perception in the eyes of the voters that Republicans have become "lobbyist Whores".

I, like many of you, have withheld making donations to the state party. This is do to my perception the the party doesn't support Conservative Candidates.

I think that we should begin making donations to the Arizona Republican Party. I think the we should be the owners of our party. If the grassroots donate enough money, then maybe, just maybe, the party will consider how the grassroots feel on things and not just big donors. There is an old saying "you should dance with the one that brung ya". Lets make sure that we are that date to the dance.

Our "Brand Name" has been tarnished in the eyes of the voters, Hopefully we can restore the shine, before voters chose another brand.

[T.J. Shope]

I didn't support Randy in the election but I think we all need to come together and make the best of the situation. If you look over at Tedski's page, they're practically jumping up and down because Randy was elected and they're just hoping that it's a slow and painful destruction of our party.

We can't afford to let that happen and I will do all I can to ensure that it doesn't. Obviously close to half of us weren't pleased with the outcome of the election but it's time to get behind the person who won because we all share a common opponent that we can't afford to lose to.

[Mike Triggs]

I just hope our new party chairman and his supporters will enthusiastically support our next Presidential nominee. I'm thinking that he could support reproductive choice for women, gay rights and some restrictions on the sale of guns.

From what I can tell, the Rudy bandwagon is looking mighty good at this point in the game. No one has a better chance of beating Senator Clinton, and that includes Arizona's own (who isn't looking all that Independent anymore).

[GOP Donor]

While I will wish the best for the Arizona Republican Party, I will not choose to support it financially. After reading a few of these responses, I have come to the conclusion that my money will be better spent elsewhere. I want to see Republicans elected, but we have to trust in those at the Republican Party to make smart decisions with our money. You see, I don't just have to give to the Republican Party, and you shouldn't take my donations each year for granted. At this point in time, I do not trust Randy Pullen or the crew that he surrounds himself with to spend money wisely.

This said, I wish you the best of luck, and hopefully your grassroots can kick in $10 each and maybe make a $1000 this month.

[Tim]

GOP Donor... Yup, obviously your given name... No, you don't have to give, and several sore losers won't, as will several folks who essentially owned this party for the last many years. We'll miss your dollars I would guess, but not you. You give because you want something in return, namely control. We give because we want a party that is true to its principles (and ours). If you're still looking for a party that will happily sell you whatever you're looking for, they're called Democrats and they're always looking for another sugar daddy!

[Benson]

Greg:
Thanks again for all you do to facilitate these discussions.
You know, as I read through the posts from the anti-Pullen crowd - I could not help but think how much they sound like the Democrats when Joe Lieberman took his case to the people (Read: outside the party machine). C'mon folks - the peole have spoken - deal with it and lets kick some donkey behind next go-around!

[Travis]

OK, the election's over. The chairmanship starts now. If Pullen doesn't raise the money, unite the party, keep a positive, civil tongue in his head about those in his party and slap Harry Mitchell at every possible turn, then he should be made to step down. Past actions are the best indicators of future actions. I'm not being negative, but Pullen needs to be put on notice. I'm hoping for the best. We deserve the above and I hope the AZGOP will hold their state leader to account.

[Tim]

Pathetic Travis... Salmon didn't raise the money, didn't unite the party, didn't slap anyone, including Napolitano, around, and even let his executive director accept a gag order from his next employer, the Chamber of Commerce, for the final 6 weeks of the campaign. You didn't put Salmon on notice or urge him to step down. Funny how accountability is only called for when you don't support someone...

If we use your statements as an indicator, then consider yourself put on notice... When it comes to the issues he has led on, Pullen has raised the money, built organizations, and slapped plenty of people around. Now that we finally have a leader who works for the party, instead of a lobbyist who doesn't, great things will happen!

[Travis]

Wow! Tim, you know me? You know what I said to and about Matt Salmon? I will assume the rest of your statements are just as informed and will feel free to ignore them accordingly.

[Mark]

Randy's got some positions to fill. I just heard that everyone currently working at party HQs just resigned or is about to resign...

[GOP Faithful]

Mark... interesting news. Keep us posted.

[Tim]

I wonder if they left Randy any money to pay the bills or if they spent it all just in case he won?

[honest abe]

Well, it's been just 48 hours since I posted my remarks about Randy. Predictably, the entire staff has now resigned, there is no money left in the bank and Randy was visibly shaken when he met with his now departed staff this morning.

Let's just see how Randy, Rob, Phil, Marni, Larry and the rest of these insects run the state and county offices without any help from the states largest donors or support from the entire delegation.

Make no mistake people, there won't be any money coming from any of us. The next step in the process in exterminating this pesty swarm is now in full swing..Stay tuned..

Honest Abe

[Tim]

If you were right in predicting there would be no money, then you knew and predicted what kind of people occupied that office previously. No money on day one can't be blamed on Pullen, but rather on Matt Salmon and the rest of the James gang who drained the swamp on their way out.

"Visibly shaken" you say? You must have been in the room there, "Honest" abe...

You're a fool if you think the entire delegation will stay away. Then again, you're clearly a fool...

[honest abe]

Call me fool, Tiny Tim.

Randy will fail, the power players will in fact take control again, and you poor Tiny will be left looking for food.

[Tim]

You're only confirming what the rest of us were saying all along about the race. It was about the power players trying to keep their grip on our party. Its about time we took it back. And thanks for making the importance of doing so as clear as you have. Had Lisa James won, people like you would have been happy and in charge. Enough said...

[honest abe]

Tiny,

Your not quite as dumb as I thought!

[Tim]

"You're" abe, not "your"... You're is the contraction of You Are... Your is the possessive...

[Jamie]

Abe,

You and republicans like you will be the reason if the party loses traction. The "I'm not happy I'm not going to play" attitude will be reason Republicans lose. You were all well and fine to say Let's Unite..... as long as it was on your terms. But the terms are not your are they. Instead of taking a defeat graciously, you whimper and whine. You would rather see the party fail than be a part of the organization. I guess you're a Republican because you feel that's where you can earn the most power, not actually that you believe in it's platform and causes. You see the majority now believes the power of the party is in it's people, not the politicans that we elect. The power is the truth of the concepts that we believe in and fight for. The politicans should be accoutable to the Party not the Party accoutable to the politicans. The party should be a check in our system of checks and balances not a puppet of the politicans.

Change is never easy.

[Travis]

To those who keep using the phrase "taking your ball and going home", a more appropriate phrase relating to what is currently happening with Pullen is: "chickens coming home to roost" or "reaping what is sown".

[Grassroots Girl]

To Jamie:

What is the purpose of the party? Isn't to elect Republicans to office? I am mystified as to how this Pullen-James race became a "grassroots" vs. delegation fight. Isn't it the job of the grassroots to help elect those who become our delegation? This is the most bizarre experience I have ever watched. I have volunteered on a lot of different campaigns for different people. I have also volunteered for the party... but it is always with the same goal in mind: elect Republicans. My question to those of you who supported Randy, do you not support our delegation? Did you not collect signatures and make phone calls for Kyl, Franks, Flake, Shadegg, Renzi and Hayworth? If you don't support the delegation, what is your purpose for having "taken over" the party?

I'm not trying to be snide (I admit to posting a few snippy comments before) but I am truly in a state of confusion.

[Jamie]

Has anyone ever thought that there may be new large donors out there that may give money Now, because the party is not controlled by the congressional delegation. Conservative also have money. We just need new networks. Politicians will always come out to speak, they can't afford not too. The country can't afford to let Arizona go to the Dems, even McCain understands that. The margins are too close.

The congressional delegation needs to think about how much they need the grassroots too. We carry their message by word of mouth. Do you realize that 20% of voter make a choice because a friend told them about a candidate. Congressional delegation needs to think about what will happen with an unenergized grassroots organization that's bitter with the delegation. When friends start asking us "How are they?" do they want us shrugging "Ehh"? They maybe able to pay for signs to go up and to collect signatures. But they can never replace the word of mouth and the last push the grassroots always brings. The grassroots has nothing but the party at heart.

Grassroots value every seat that we hold, not just the delegation. Grassroots value the dollars that we take in, we just don't give money to our personal friends for "work".

All the whimpers and whiners are doing now is bringing it to the attentions of the Dems that we're not functioning as a team. If these negative statements continue about the new leadership, the Dems will organize and try to strike hard because they think we're weak. There will be hard fights in all the districts and for other seats.

So everyone please stay focus on the goals... Republicans in every seat we can.

[Grammer Teacher]

Tim, Thank you for providing the lesson on contractions. However, you forgot to capitalize Abe.

[Tim]

You capitalize names... "Abe" is not HER real name...

But with the wonderfully coincidental name of Grammer Teacher (probably another name belonging to clever abe), you seem to enjoy the game, so you should know that you should not capitalize the "T" in thank you when it follows a comma...

DOH!

Poor Greg... He wanted to share enlightenment and he got this...

[Grammer Teacher]

u r so smart tim. i wish i was smart as u