Uniting the party of Lincoln

The Pitsburgh Post-Gazette has another article how the GOP is reuniting the party of Abraham Lincoln. There is a profile of Pensylvannia's Lynn Swann, Maryland's Michael Steele, Ohio's Jenette Bradley for state Treasurer, and of course JKB.

There is no new information, just a note that Blackwell labelled Petro as having "ethics worse than Taft's."This means that Blackwell's message is sinking in.

Then today Betty Montgomery complains about and compliment JKB because his adds have sucessfully thrown Petro off-message. On page D9 the Columbus Dispatch records her lamenting not only that surprise, surprise, liberal/moderate Republicans aren't liked that much, but also that

I will never underestimate Ken Blackwell's strategic sense. He has kept Jim Petro off-message with these ads. Jim can't talk about what he wants to be because he is defending who he is.

Two things need to be kept in mind. First, the Noe-BWC scandal and GOP-ethics questions aren't going anywhere. This issue will return with a vengance by the DNC, and will be a potent anti-Republican weapon, unless the problem is fixed now. JKB's adds are accomplishing such a task now.

Second, the "mean" election will by forgetten by the time of the fall election season. The party will be united for the reasons that the primary is on May 2 which is four months before electio season; the unifying state convention has yet to be held; and, a whole summer will make many people forget about the spring campaign. Time heals all wounds.

Please e-mail the Editor-in-Chief with any questions.