Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Jim Morrison said it best when he said, "Love hides in the strangest places." That's pretty accurate. You never know quite when or where it will creep up, or where it will leave you hanging. Commissioner Eichelberger just found that the strangest places of Cumberland County are his own backyard, since thousands showed up to show him just how much love they had. As such, you're looking at the newest poster boy for the Reform Movement. We hate to even use that term, as it lends credibility to a sluggish movement of angst-ridden politicos who see themselves as the Captain America of a corrupt system, but in this case, there's no other way to describe it. And with his new red, white & blue shield in hand, the Commish has promised nothing short of a full-scale house cleaning.

Now, we bring you back to reality. There are plenty of targets to choose from, but to pull the trigger on a majority is just wasting ammo. We've said it before and we'll say it again - pick your battles and seperate the weak from the herd. We never like to see an embarrassing, lop-sided fight, so we're also adding suggestions for the targets of said aggression (because we're sure you all read this blog).

The county House delegation: Don't bother. Rep. Nailor might have been holding a serious grudge for years, so it looks like a perfect time for payback, but we wouldn't recommend it. The county is better off with Nailor where he is and he isn't Strom Thurmond. Let this candle burn itself out - two more terms, tops. Grell remained loyal throughout, which only leaves western Cumberland County. Its no secret that Gabig has been vulnerable since he fell out of the DA's office and landed in the seat, so if you're going to fire away, do it with accuracy. Put up someone who has a fighting chance and don't leave him or her out to dry. Make sure they have some clout out in the boonies and then simply throw money into Carlisle.

The county chairman: Stabile is a slippery one. It should be a tough call to decide whether or not this one is really worth it. Stabile is excellent at pointing the finger elsewhere, so it won't be easy to get rid of him. And forget about him stepping down. This is the crux of the fight and it goes all the way back to 2004, so if getting rid of the chairman is the goal, you'd better make sure its worth it. If this fails, the primary victory is useless.

Cumberland County Democrats: While we hate to rip off Sinead O'Connor, here's the real enemy. The Reform fury should be directed this way and should put a big crack in the strong foundation that county Democrats have built since 2000. The greatest revenge a man can have is to be humble in victory, and there is no better weapon to strengthen the county Republican party than putting by-gones aside and focusing on winning the next decade of elections in an increasingly Democratic county. And that is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

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