The actual name of the RNC is Republican National Committee. Change the R to a D and you have the counterpart for the Democrats. The key word in both organizations is “national.” Words mean things but I think this is often overlooked.

On the state and local levels we have newcomers and non-politicians seeking position to represent the people. Many of these are good people that want to do the right things and are relatively unknown on the national level. These individuals have a very steep hill to climb. They must find and recruit supporters both for manpower and financial backing. It takes immense amounts of money to endure a political campaign.

This is where we need to look at the word “national.” These local candidates must overcome the name recognition of better known candidates. The only way to do so is to raise the necessary funds and advertise and work to level the playing field. If we are ever going to make things even we need these candidates to survive on the funds they raise in their communities. The RNC as an arm of the establishment dump fortunes into the campaigns of these establishment candidates making it all the more difficult to drain the swamp. We do not need interference from the national committees.

Once the primary season is over and the candidates of our choosing have been selected, then the national committees can pour all the money they deem fit into the general election race. There is no good reason for the national power brokers to interfere with our home state elections.

We will never drain the polluted swamp if we cannot get fresh ideas and thoughts onto the floors of congress. The establishment is well entrenched and will not give up without a fight. Congress will never vote term limits on themselves. One congressman from Florida has proposed cutting the pay for members of congress to $1.00 per year after they have served two terms. You can bet that proposal will never get a vote in either chamber. The only term limits that will ever be enacted will be the result of a committed voting populace.

The thoughts and ideas expressed above are exclusively those of Jack Straley. We may agree, and that’s fine, or we may disagree, that’s okay too. My sole purpose is to encourage others to think, study, and become involved. Exercise your freedom and above all, when presented the opportunity, please vote.