Comments on: Former GOP County Co-Chair Launches House Bid as Independent

By: Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:04:21 +0000

Billy,
First Mr. Ryan is not running for Iowa House lets clear that issue first.
If you ever have a chance to talk to Tom, his cell is 712-845-6034 feel free to talk to him.
Tom attended a listen and learn session and someone there told the crowd “we need to accept a little socialism” which was the tipping point for Tom. Especially when the State Central Committee Member running the meeting refused to take a stand on that issue by pointing out that socialism is neither acceptable to the GOP. Tom’s biggest issue is this the platform is being didregarded and thrown aside, and Tom sees the lack of action by some members of the State Central Committee, and being told by Matt Randall, Isaiah McGee that they feel the function of the party is to elect only republicans. When Tom (I know this becuase Tom is a close friend) feels the function is to push the platform, then we can have real Republicans. But If you have any questions feel free to talk Tom,he is open to talking.

As for me, personally at this point I will be voting for him. As a chairman due to conflict of interest I will not work for him or the GOP candidate or give money to either personally. But thank you for your response Billy, if you have any questions to me feel free to call me at 515-974-9257, or email me at pockypastor@gmail.com. But I encourage you to talk to Tom, that is the right thing to do.

Michael Ryan
Pocahontas County Chairman

By: Billy D

Billy D — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:44:07 +0000

I still haven’t heard a compelling reason why Mr. Shaw doesn’t feel he should run under the GOP banner. All this article mentions is that he’s “appalled” by some of the people in the party. There are several very important questions left unanswered here:

Who are these people with whom Mr. Ryan is so upset?

Why does he feel said people hold enough influence to force him to leave the party?

Since Mr. Ryan is running for the Iowa House, which House Republican leaders cause him so much distress?

I’m sure Mr. Ryan is a fine man, and he is clearly right on the issues. However from an outside perspective (as a fellow conservative), it sure looks like there is more to the story than what is being told.

By: Michael Ryan

Michael Ryan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:34:16 +0000

Billy,
I think it’s fair to say you don’t know Tom Shaw that well, I was his county chairman until he stepped down to run for his office, so I think I can say I know the district and Tom well. Hate to say it bud but integrity in principles matter in house district 8. If you notice, Tom only went after liberal to moderate people in his thing on Deace today and his piece by Albert. So Tom does have a chance, everything is in the soveriegnty of God, including his race.

Michael Ryan
Pocahontas County Chairman

By: abregar

abregar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:43:39 +0000

Billy, I think that Mr. Shaw has more of a chance than you think. He is running for a house district which is not all that large. He already has name recognition. And he has been out talking with the people of his district. He also has the support of the GOP grassroots in the area. I think that the GOP candidate in that area would be more likely to get just 7 or 8 percent of the vote.

As for who would get his vote for Speaker would naturally be the most likely be the more conservative of the two.

By: Billy D

Billy D — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:16:57 +0000

Best of luck, Tom, you’ll be lucky to get more than 7-8%. Sadly, that 7-8% will steal just enough support from the GOP candidate, to make sure that an anti-marriage, pro-labor Democrat wins the seat (after Mertz retires).

Spare me the stuff about integrity and principles. The Republican Party in Iowa is as conservative as ever. We have conservative leadership and a conservative platform. Also, the House Republican caucus is also substantially conservative than in past years, too.

Also, what is Mr. Shaw’s plan should be win? Who will get his vote for Speaker: Murphy or Paulsen?

By: All4Iowa

All4Iowa — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 03:49:38 +0000

Good luck to Mr. Shaw. The GOP wouldn’t have helped him out anyway.

By: Tom Cat

Tom Cat — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:35:31 +0000

Shaw sounds like my kind of candidate. Let’s hope that more Iowans with integrity will step up. We need them!

By: GSDMusicman

GSDMusicman — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:43:44 +0000

What choice do we have when the party doesn’t listen to us. I get so fed up with the RPI saying they’re listening but then turn around and say “we have to accept some socialism.” It’s time that we the people return to our basic values. If we can’t do it as Republicans we can sure as hell try as Independents. RUN TOM RUN!

By: Iowans Rock

Iowans Rock — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:55:20 +0000

Great post, abregar. It is refreshing to see a politician to take a principled stand and not worry about having the “R” behind his name, especially if the “R” no longer represents him.

I had thought about leaving the party and becoming an Independent, but then I decided not to. The way I see it, the party is not theirs to have but ours to keep.