McGee endorses Branstad

Isaiah McGee is a former Waukee City Councilman and Mayoral candidate. I got to know Isaiah when we were colleagues on the Republican State Central Committee. I have a great deal of respect for Isaiah. He is young, articulate and intelligent. He is an asset to the SCC. Isaiah, is a standup guy, he is one of the good guys.

I got this tweet last night from Isaiah:.

After much thought & prayer I decided I can't sit back & be neutral in this Gov primary. Here's my choice.

The link is to a Branstad press release announcing that McGee will serve as Branstad's Young Professional's chair. McGee is a good pickup for Branstad, he is charismatic and will be able to reach the targeted demographic.

I have gotten some emails and messages from people asking about whether I thought Isaiah should resign from the SCC. As I said in a previous post:

I believe SCC members should not endorse nor accept paid staff or consultant positions with campaigns during primaries.

I made this promise to my district when they elected me and  I kept this promise when I resigned in order to support my friend Christian Fong. I criticized my successor on the SCC because because she (and the other two candidates for the position) promised to remain neutral and she also made an endorsement in the gubernatorial primary.

So, why am I not calling for Isaiah's resignation? Because he made no such promise. He violated no RPI rules. His decision to endorse Branstad is between him, his district and his God.

However, given the potential bruising nature of the upcoming primary, it is my personal view that candidates and all Republicans have the right to expect that the party be neutral and treat each one fairly. When members of the SCC endorse candidates in primaries or work as staff or consultants on primary campaigns it gives the entire party the appearance of partiality. Not just for 2010, but for 2012. With talk of campaigns skipping the Iowa Caucuses, It is critical we preserve both the integrity and perception of integrity of our state party.

Comments

[Yoda]

Well said David.

[desmoinesdem]

On principle, I think official party people should stay neutral in primaries. I wouldn't say that endorsing a candidate should force anyone's resignation, but I have a lot of respect for what you did when you endorsed Christian Fong.

[Michael Ryan]

Personally I have no problem with Isaiah endorsing Branstad. I am not in any way shape or form a Branstad supporter, but it's a free country and people can choose who they like for their candidates. I believe any SCC can endorse who they want. They don't give up their first amendment rights just because they are on the SCC. The only time that I feel it's open to attack is when they say they won't endorse and then turn around and do.
But this whole matter is really a matter of conscience, whereas David kept his promise to remain nuetral or if he did endorse he would step down out of matter of promises and conscience. I always appreciate those who follow through on their promises.