Maine Ron Paul "Liberty Movement" Rift?
Tue, 10/23/2012 - 12:09pm
Posted by Old Dame Fortune
It appears that the leaders of the Ron Paul wing of the GOP have decided fascism is a better tactic.
From the BDNs Undercover Porcupine the other day we find out that the Defense of Liberty PAC run by Eric Brakey, Brent Tweed, Linda Bean and that Boyer guy is melting down to the point that theyve started removing supporters from their group because those exsupporters dared to ask questions about the PACs activities.
Those activities include what some of the questioners see as corruption and doubledealing and the fact that their latest report indicates that less than 15% of their donations go to the candidates that they endorse.
There are also reports that for a price their endorsed candidates would get consulting from that organization and also "important endorsements" and strongarming state committee members to elect a new chair who is a member of their advisory board. Revolt has broken out.
I have permission from the author to post the longish excerpts from that article. Its worth reading and so is the FaceBook note it links to.
The second issue highlighted is one relating to the State Chair position of the Maine Republican Party, which is no doubt going to be a hot button topic after the November elections. Charlie Webster, a controversial figure even within his own party, will be up for re-election. Many doubt he can survive it and others are actively working to ensure he doesn’t return. The latter involves even people within the liberty movement and a questionable character named David Jones, someone who is not known in Republican politics or Maine politics in general. It is a choice that leaves many scratching their heads, but one that is being aggressively pushed.
The detailed and long Facebook note, “The Uncertain Future Of The Maine Ron Paul Movement”, makes the point:
The issue at hand is more than a Facebook group, beyond happened in the past. It’s a trust issue. Leaders cannot lead if the followers do not trust their leaders. It has become increasingly clear that trust issues were there and that they were not being addressed. While it is absolutely critical that the focus be on the elections, it is increasingly difficult to focus on the elections when a number of the candidates you are told to support have connections to these unanswered questions. Furthermore, it is more difficult when a number of questions linger relating to the leadership that is pushing these candidates. Overall, the lingering uncertainty distances people from those who have taken the leadership positions. This is bad news for any movement.