The Indiana Republican primary contest presents a wide range of personalities for consideration. In order of initial name ID, the candidates are: Dan Coats, John Hostettler, Marlin Stutzman, Richard Behney and Don Bates, Jr.
Erick Erickson has whole-heartedly endorsed Marlin Stutzman. I must agree.
But why is choosing Stutzman so important at this time? Simply put, consider how unusual 2010’s political climate is. The highest initial name ID is not essential to success in November. We cannot afford to squander the great opportunity we have to advance the next generation of principled, conservative leadership.
But why not Dan Coats? Dan Coats is last century’s Senator. The Republican Establishment mentality thinks supporting Coats is a way of playing it safe in this race. This reveals the perpetual lack of vision that plagues those who are much more Republican than they are conservative. To my fellow conservatives who remain tempted to “play it safe,” please consider: If you can’t support the best choice for conservatism’s long-run future in 2010, when would you ever? You will never have the courage to question the Establishment mentality that has brought the party to its current low. Choosing Dan Coats gives us a very short term fix and aborts the long-term potential of the next generation: Marlin Stutzman.
But why not John Hostettler? To those favoring Hostettler, I would ask you to support Marlin in 2010 for a number of reasons. First, such a split will likely give us Coats. Second, the potential of a Hostettler-Ellsworth matchup is not the best narrative for this fall. Last, please consider: We need Hostettler to challenge and defeat Lugar in 2012. Hostettler is the one candidate with enough spine and legislative background to contrast against Lugar’s record effectively in such a challenge. Marlin is better suited to take down Ellsworth. Hostettler is better suited to retire Lugar. Let’s work together wisely to get the two best possible Senators in 2010 and 2012.
But why not Behney or Bates? There is a time when one should recognize that a candidate has not gotten the traction needed to truly be competitive. I appreciate both candidates’ willingness to step forward with the desire to serve the state and the country, but now is not the time for them in this capacity. Continued support of Behney and Bates simply splits the vote to make it easier for Coats to prevail. Please move toward Stutzman who better understands and appreciates the values and principles that drive you. [Coats better understands and appreciates Washington’s values and principles.]
No, Marlin Stutzman is not the most dynamic personality in politics. He is simply solid and principled with an unassuming manner. He knows who he is and where he came from. If given the opportunity this fall, Hoosiers will agree with his positions and warm to his demeanor to proudly elect him to be the next Senator from Indiana.
This is a teachable moment for the grassroots to correct the Republican Establishment. Let’s help them learn not to short-change our conservative future with a falsely-assumed safe choice.
Go Marlin!
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This post is more "why not" than "why". But at least for someone who hasn't paid much attention to this race (including me), it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteBates and Behney don't seem to be significantly better candidates, so it doesn't make sense to "waste" a vote on them. (I'd argue that it's not a waste to vote for a significantly better candidate, but that's a different topic for a different day.)
Even though he's endorsed by Mike Pence, Coats is not impressive. (That said, the value of Pence endorsements seems to be plummeting since he also endorsed Mike Sodrel.)
That leaves Stutzman and Hostettler. Both seem fine-- on paper and in person. (I saw both of them speak at a Tea Party in North Vernon.) But I hadn't thought about the point that a win by Hostettler sets up a sequel with Ellsworth-- which might work in Hostettler's favor in a year like this, but probably not.