THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 10, 1996 TAG: 9603080012
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Opinion
SOURCE: HARRY R. ``BOB'' PURKEY
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
Regarding ``Robbing GOP primary of its integrity'' (letter, Feb. 18) by Patrick McSweeney, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia:
Parties do not elect people to office. People elect people to office.
Prior to being elected to the House of Delegates, I was deeply involved in Republican Party politics. As chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia Beach and member of numerous state and national organizations, I always endorsed an agenda of inclusive bipartisan recruiting, inclusive public involvement, and active public participation.
I have always opposed conventions as a nominating vehicle for local and state races. Conventions have unfortunately evolved as a vehicle by which an organized few seek to and can control the many. Often, the rank-and-file voters don't participate in conventions, can't travel the distance to a convention, feel disenfranchised with this process, and don't come out to vote in the general election. A primary gives all voters a voice in the nominating process whether or not they take advantage of the privilege to vote.
Those of use who run for and hold elected office must appeal and answer to all voters. Most voters have no contact with the internal workings of party politics. Too often voters are turned off by the perception of insider, vicious political infighting.
Mr. McSweeney's comment regarding the election of Sen. John Warner misses many major points. Senator Warner has been and continues to be a tireless, effective, accessible, ethical, nationally and internationally respected leader. He was a fiscal conservative long before today's conservative label became fashionable. I do not always agree with my Senator Warner. Yet I agree overwhelmingly with his overall performance. John Warner is a leader and a statesman. He will have broad bipartisan support.
Mr. McSweeney's comments about political scientists and commentators are way ``off the mark.'' Unfortunately, too many of today's spoken media commentators have become ``sound-bite word merchants.'' They sell their words by the minute and not by content. Influencing rather than informing the viewer appears to be the intended goal. The media in general far too often ``dumb down'' news in ``sound-bite'' parcels and have been allowed by consumers to do so. Certainly, there are exceptions.
Political scientists, economists, accountants, attorneys and, yes, even politicians increasingly can effectively argue both sides of any issue. Objectivity and clarity of intent are unfortunately compromised either by personal perspective or by consideration for financial supporters. Again, there are exceptions. Larry Sabato has fortunately emerged as an informed, objective, analytical resource.
Blaming the $5 trillion national debt on centrist politicians is sadly incorrect. In 1960, the U.S. national debt was virtually zero. Five entitlements today consume almost 60 percent of our total national budget: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps and unemployment benefits. Add about 14 percent more for debt service and you can make your own decision as to how this took place. One-party control of any elected body for inordinate periods of time brings an unacceptable level of accountability.
The world has changed. All people want and must have a voice in their government. A process which excludes any voters from primaries will dissuade vital participation. Successful political parties are those which open their doors to all voters - Republicans, Democrats and independents.
Our founding fathers knew of man's need to be spiritual. Religious values, tolerance and participation in the election process go hand in hand. In a free Democratic society, they tend to reinforce one another. We should fear non-participation, not participation.
I say to all voters, ``Come to the primaries and the general elections.'' Our job as Republicans is to continue to earn trust, respect and votes. This can be done only by displaying an effective ability to address Virginia's needs and to govern fairly and effectively.
Again I remind you that parties don't elect people. People elect people. MEMO: Mr. Purkey represents Virginia's 82nd District (Virginia Beach) in the
House of Delegates. by CNB