John Hood’s comprehensive look at the Taylor-Shuler race reminds us that political power assumes more importance than political philosophy within the two major parties — at least during election season.
In reading John’s description of Heath Shuler, I wondered how likely he would be to win an election in the northeast or on the west coast (the Democratic Party’s strongholds). If Shuler unseats Taylor in November, how likely will he be to side with his party in the divisive votes that will likely fill much of the next two years of congressional debate?
On the other side of the fence, the Republican Senate Campaign Committee (led by our senior senator) recently spent a quite a bit of time and money helping Rhode Island’s Lincoln Chafee win a primary battle — despite the fact that Chafee frequently splits with his GOP colleagues (even in casting his 2004 presidential vote).
Both cases remind us that the Democrats want more Ds and the Republicans want more Rs in office, even if that means sacrificing even a great degree of ideological purity. We would be wise to remember that factor at all times.
