Crossposted on 43rdStateBlues
Many people, from both sides of the political aisle, who watched the video showing the final minutes of the Canyon County Idaho Republican Central committee meeting on 7-12-2011, reacted with shock and dismay.
Here is some background:
After an impassioned speech asking for forgiveness for his transgressions, Sen. John McGee Tuesday helped block an immediate vote on a resolution for a Canyon County Republican Central Committee group to investigate his DUI. The resolution also called for a vote by the entire committee, after the smaller group’s report, on whether or not to keep McGee as its chairman. About 70 people filled the meeting that normally draws a smaller crowd.
The speech failed to sway state legislative District 13 GOP chairwoman Ronalee Linsenmann from her mission. She took the rostrum after McGee’s statements and brought a resolution for voting members of the committee to form a group of five to seven members “to report back to the Central Committee … with any medical records or other information relevant to the issue.” McGee declared that it was appropriate and traditional (emphasis mine) to take the resolution to the Central Committee’s executive committee for it to take action on.
Linsenmann asked McGee where such a ruling was in the committee’s bylaws. She wanted the resolution put to a vote at the meeting. McGee responded by saying it was the tradition of the central committee (emphasis mine) to respond to such resolutions that way. Sen. Curt McKenzie, R-Nampa, then at 8:30 p.m. moved that the meeting be adjourned. He suggested that some members may have to get back to their children at home. McGee called for a voice vote and committee members voted unanimously to end the meeting.
Pocatello activist Tamara Code, via Facebook, added:
You know I just watched that video of the last 10 minutes of that meeting. It was frightening. Constituents are absolutely not listened to or respected. Tradition does not override the rules. It was appalling that rules were thrown out the window because the good old boys are in control!
The Canyon County Republicans facebook page is hosting a debate on this issue.
Here are some excerpts:
Michael Pullin: I've seen this before. and the committee vots to post pone and then it's dropped.
Corey Freeman: Ummm.... Isn't this the type of situation that would require the chair to recuse himself? This is how liberals run things not conservatives. Sad to hear, very sad.
There was also this exchange:
Shoni Pegram: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone"
Megan Linsenmann: I never said I was perfect. I continually sin and ask repentance of what I have done and I am not commenting on his action of the DUI. I am commenting on his actions as chairperson. He...a SENATOR who should stand in proctection of the rules/laws...is WILLINGLY violating them. He stands for tradition over rules? Only when it benefits him the most. When the rules will help him however tradition is typically followed, next times rules will win.
NOTE: If you would like to be included in the dialogue, but don't have an account on this site and don't like hanging out on Republican Facebook pages ... No worries.
In addition to this entry, the Canyon County Democratic Party Facebook Page is also hosting a debate on this issue.
All voices and perspectives are welcome.