Local GOP Politics

Cincinnatus Standard has an interview with Councilwoman Leslie Ghiz in which Steve asks about when it is appropriate to criticize a Republican candidate. Her answer is very interesting and includes this bit:

Another thing about where you stop. You stop at a level where it's affecting... (thinking) Like at the federal level. These guys have been after Jean Schmidt since day one and they won't let up. And whether they're right or wrong, there comes a time when you're screwing around with a seat in Congress. You're not talking about Hamilton County being "Democratic" or "Republican." Your talking about losing a Republican seat in Congress. And every time someone runs in a primary against an (incumbent), particularly at that level, your sucking all the money out of a general election which makes it very easy for Democrats to throw a pretty strong candidate up with lots of backing for them to win. And that's what I don't agree with. You will never, ever, whether I agree or disagree, see me out there on the campaign trail against a sitting (Republican) Congressman. You just don't do it.

I'm not opposed to primary campaigns against Republican incumbents, everybody knows that...but I do draw the line after the choice has been made. You don't have to roll over on your principles, but you can't be destructive either. That's why if you check my archives, I did what I could to save the sinking DeWine for Senate effort...I still criticized him for the things that I felt strongly about, but I would never have stooped to the level that some of our "friends" in COAST have with Jean Schmidt.