Nevada Republicans have come full-circle.
In 2008, it was the GOP establishment in Nevada that generally treated the Ron Paul people like lepers. But the lepers got organized and fought back, gaining operational control of the party in the 2012 election cycle. Now, after a very brief absence, the establishment is well on its way to regaining full power.
The short Clark County GOP chairmanship of Cindy Lake — a principled conservative and Paul supporter — came to an end Wednesday when the establishment wing of the party hoisted Dave McKeon, a relatively unknown, transplanted son of a California congressman, upon the throne as their new Grand Imperial Pooh-Bah.
So intent was the establishment on regaining power that it would have supported a pedophile priest as long as long as it meant getting rid of Lake. But remember the old saying about being careful what you wish for.
McKeon made a lot of grandiose promises to get elected — promises he’s unlikely to fulfill. Such as raising a ton of money, registering a ton of voters and winning the hearts and minds of Hispanics everywhere. What’s going to happen if/when he comes up short?
But even if McKeon is successful beyond everyone’s wildest LSD-induced dreams operationally and organizationally, a philosophical drift back to the mushy middle will now take place. And that’s nothing to cheer about if you’re a conservative, especially if it spreads up to the state party level.
Once again, never will be heard a discouraging word about go-along-to-get-along, stand-for-nothing-fall-for-anything Gumby Republicans who have never even read the party’s platform, let alone abided by it.
When Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval proposes another $620 million tax hike — and GOP legislators see his $620 million and raise him — the new and improved (but not lemon-scented!) county party will once again fall in line and dutifully declare, “My Republican, right or wrong!” Then they’ll roll over to have their widdle tummies rubbed.
Sadly, for principled conservatism, at least in the Clark County GOP, it’s over. (Cue John Belushi’s ghost …).
“Over? Did you say over? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Heck no! And it ain’t over now.” (Ask your dad.)
Yes, the old-guard Republicans are gloating over ousting the Paulbarians after less than a year in charge. But as the saying goes, better to live one day as a lion than a hundred as a lamb. And while the Republican sheep will once again bleat to the beat at RINO feet, they won’t be able silence the roar of the growing liberty movement outside their “big tent.”
The battle for the philosophical soul of the Republican Party isn’t over. It’s only just begun. We ride again at dawn.
Chuck Muth is the president of Citizen Outreach, a conservative grassroots advocacy organization. He can be reached at chuck@citizenoutreach.com.