Marc Ambinder just posted the below email from a GW College Dem

To the George Washington University College Republicans Chairman, Brand Kroeger

 

Greetings,

 

My name is Daniel Boehmer and I am a member of the College Democrats here at George Washington University. I additionally served as a member of Nicole Capp’s cabinet as Assistant VPJLA to Andrew Salzman and on the Joint Elections Committee (JEC) this past year. A long time supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton these past 16 months of her campaign, the selection of Sen. Obama has placed me, like many other Democrats, in an odd position. For me however, the debate between ‘loyalty’ to my party and voting based on my conscience was quickly settled. I determined that my support would, in lieu of Sen. Clinton’s nomination to the Democratic Party, be given to Sen. John McCain. In light of this development, I believe that the GW College Republicans community finds itself with a certain measure of responsibility with regards to the members of the Democratic Party who wish to support John McCain in the Fall. Providing these individuals with some form of organizational support, in my opinion, is a valuable step towards weakening the sway of Sen. Obama’s supporters on campus and would ultimately lead to John McCain seeing more support on campus and in the Washington community at large.

First, let me say that I regret to admit that I myself will be unable to actively participate in such a venture as much as I would like, as a result of the fact that I will be studying abroad in the Middle East this summer and this coming fall semester. With this in mind, these words come more as a suggestion than a pledge of an ability to participate at GW in this effort, though I certainly know of individuals more able to help coordinate this effort.

I suggest that either 1) under the auspices of the CRs or 2) by means of the formation of a separate student organization “GW Democrats for McCain” or 3) under the auspices of the organization “GW Students for McCain” the CRs orchestrate the creation of a Democrats for McCain chapter at GWU. Such an action, I believe, is perfectly justified this year because of the large number of supporters of Hillary Clinton who should be compelled to vote for John McCain over her underqualified former opponent, Sen. Obama. It is of course up to the discretion of the CRs which action they might want to take on this matter; however, I highly recommend providing a means for Democrats at GW to support John McCain as a candidate in the Fall. I myself would certainly encourage many of my fellow Hillary Clinton supporters to do the same.

Although I do not have the ability myself to be fully responsible for such an organization, I still felt the need to put forward my recommendation that it be created. Whatever course of action you may take in further John McCain’s candidacy this fall, I wish you success.

Good Luck in November,

 

Daniel A. Boehmer

 Lets see what Brand makes of it, but telling either way. 

COLUMBUS - Ohio Republican Party Spokesman John McClelland today issued the following response to Gov. Ted Strickland‘s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama:   ”Four months ago Gov. Ted Strickland said Senator Obama‘s lack of experience and judgment made him better suited for ‘American Idol‘ than the presidency. The governor‘s recent endorsement proves that he is now more interested in weak, empty rhetoric than a real, bipartisan record on change, but one question remains: did he text or phone-in his vote?”

Strickland Suggested Obama Was More Suited For American Idol. ”…Ohioans should vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton because the March 4 primary is not about selecting the‘next American idol,‘ Strickland told reporters in Washington today, where he is attending the National Governors Association winter meeting.” (Jonathan Riskind, “Strickland: Pick a President, Not an American Idol,” Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/08)

Beyond some friends who know Louisiana politics intimately, a year ago not many people I came across knew much about the man from Baton Rouge.  Today his name seems to be on the tongue of every young conservative I meet.  It’s been a fascinating phenomenon to watch unfold.

He represents a new breed of conservative.  A new commitment to the values we envision when we hope for America’s future, and the personal qualities to reassure a weary public about the ability to deliver.

Jindall represents the beating heart of a movement quieted by 2 decades of being buried in its own success.  The need for reform, a hunger for free markets across the spectrum of american society, the desire to shine a light on the inner workings of government, to rebuild in the image of transparent self-government a system that so many feel has abandoned them.

Many will jump to the conclusion that I am shilling for Jindall as a VP pick for Sen. McCain.  I am not.  While I certainly consider Gov. Jindall capable and qualified, I do not pretend to know what Sen. McCain needs in a running mate, but I have every confidence that he does.  I know that the person he picks will represent our party well, and will fight diligently beside the Senator to protect us from all enemies, foreign and domestic. 

I write about Gov. Jindall because many within the party and pundits from all corners talk about us being lost, about “the fall of conservatism”.  If conservatism has faltered it is only because at our core we are a movement of change, and we have become entrenched.  We are guarding the castle, not storming it.  Over the past decade we have not been as introspective as we should have, we have not been as active in creating new solutions as we were in the early ’90s.  Today, we have a unique opportunity to renew that search within ourselves, and recommit to the perpetual challenge of making America better, stronger, freer and more prosperous.  It is an opportunity we should not neglect.

When I look for conservatives moving down that path, seizing this opportunity I see Bobby Jindall.  And every day I find more people my age who seem to be looking that direction.

 This story has legs, watch it run.