The state GOP meltdown this week has been horrfying from a humanity standpoint - its clear that we're dealing with a caucus that is filled with bigotry and hate. From a political standpoint though this is pure gold thanks to Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry's non-reaction reaction to the highly offensive remarks of his caucus. Penry has not so much as disavowed the comments, much less censure either of his colleagues. That's of course his perogative but a smart politician with state wide electoral ambitions would distance himself from the hate-mongers. A simple statement to the effect of, "Sens. Renfroe and Schulthies do not speak for the caucus or the party. Their views are their own and I am not going to defend or support them."
By reacting with essentially a shrug of the shoulder and a statement of "Meh" Penry has ensured that the audio clips of Renfroe comparing homosexuality to murder and dave Schulthies wishing AIDS on new born babies will be replayed again and again in advertisements during the 2010 campaign. Play the audio, show a picture of Schulthies and a picture of Penry with his quote of tacit support and a simple message with the theme being that, "Josh Penry is too extreme for Colorado." How do you think Renfroe and Schulthies' comments will play with the key swing voters (women and independent) in the key swing counties of Jefferson, Arapahoe, Adams and Larimer?
If Penry really wants to run for state wide office in 2010 he's going to need to become a little more sophisticated in his handling of these types of issues. He is the Minority Leader after-all and it's not unreasonable that he demonstrate some leadership when his members go so far over the line. I'm sure Penry is taking his direction from state GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams and Wadhams is firmly in the "never apologize" camp of political strategy. To an extent that's an ok strategy but in this case Penry doesn't even have to apologize. All that is required is a very simple and clear statement of non-support for the views of his caucus members.
I'm not complaining mind you, this sort of outburst is political gold for my party but its embarrassing for the state and alarming in its ignorant hatred.
2 comments:
"Alarming in its ignorant hatred."
Yes.
If you think Colorado voters are going to run away from Penry's defense of traditional marriage as a matter of principle, you ought to look at the Ref I results from a couple of years ago. As for this recent controversy, I think Penry's statement is right on. It's not his job to "censure" his colleagues -- they've been elected in districts around the state. What he CAN do is explain that he disagrees with their comments and point out that he actually supports HIV screenings for pregnant women. In fact, he CO-SPONSORED the resolution. Look at his statement on the issue:
"I strongly disagree with the comments made about the HIV infant bill. As a co-sponsor of the bill, I believe HIV screening for at-risk infants is responsible and humane public policy. These children are, after all, innocent human lives," Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry (R-Grand Junction) told 9NEWS in an e-mail. "I'm a proud conservative with traditional beliefs on issues like marriage, but it's essential that elected leader don't lose sight of the fundamental humanity and dignity of people who see the world and these issues differently."
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