| All aboard. Roger Koopman, the former Bozeman-area legislator who left the legislature after his liberty tree was pruned too often, is launching yet another organization aimed at destroying the government (Roger had something like a half dozen PACs operating in 2008).
Say hello to the Montana Conservative Alliance.
From the Chronicle's news story this morning: "Democrats don't negotiate their basic principles, and Republicans, depending on the Republican, often do. The more liberal leaning Republicans do," Koopman, executive director of the new group, said Thursday. Hahahahahahaha. I think Mark T's head just exploded. Probably Harry Reid's, too, for a different reason.
The questionnaire being circulated by the Alliance is a doozy. 51 litmus test questions. I don't know which one to highlight, but the results of the questionnaire would be absolutely fascinating to read.
Roger Koopman: Building a Smaller Tent
The good news for sane Republicans (which used to number quite a few) is that some people are pushing back. Senator Dave Lewis, who fits into the "conservative but not crazy" corner of the modern GOP matrix, had this to say to the Chronicle: One potential alliance target, Sen. Dave Lewis, R-Helena, said he threw out the questionnaire shortly after reading it Thursday. He called it "one of those when did you stop beating your wife" questionnaires.
"Look, I work very hard to try to represent six counties, and Roger can take his shot," Lewis said. "I don't believe in tax increases. I balance the budget by cutting spending. I'm pro-life, but I couldn't answer the questionnaire, so I tossed it. If Roger wants to get someone to run against me, go for it, and we'll have a primary. I've got a 10-year voting record in the Legislature. If he has any questions, he can take a look." Sad that we'd have to come to Dave Lewis's defense. He really is a run of the mill conservative Republican. He's just not looking to move to a government with only one agency comprised of morality police. So he is being targeted for a primary.
Mark my words, though, if Roger Koopman succeeds in destroying the last vestiges of the reasonable conservative movement, the Republican Party is in deep shit. 35% of the population is not enough to win governing majorities in this state. |
