I won’t respond, however, to the P4P until the platform appears more stable than the hastily executed hodge-podge–noted by two other bloggers (http://www.peoplespresscollective.org/2009/11/platform-for-prosperity-contract-for-colorado-waffling-on-car-fees-removal-poses-conflict-for-voters/) and (http://www.peoplespresscollective.org/2009/11/gob-united-gop-undecided/)–becomes more concrete. The ball is still in McInnis’ court, not mine.

Here’s what I wrote on Facebook:
“My point and part of the point in Ben’s post is that there is work to do. McInnis has the opportunity to attract voters to his side, not simply cruise on the idea that they will default to him. Good grief, I’m a Republican and so is Ben–we want the party to be based on good principles and the candidates to worthy of support. McInnis can certainly do that if he has a mind to, but this cycle, the feet will be held very close to the fire . . .”

As members of our party it is our duty to hold our candidates to a set of standards. Money is just one part of that. McInnis still has to campaign and earn our votes.

If you have been listening to the people who’ve attended forums and rallies held by the candidates, you’d recognize that the Platform for Prosperity (P4P) shows that McInnis, Penry and others involved in writing it have been listening. P4P is strong because it reflects what the base have been telling gubernatorial candidates.

Politicians have to listen. Then they have to tell voters what they heard and how they plan to be responsive as elected officials. That’s what McInnis is trying to do, and I happen to think he’s doing a pretty good job. Now, you and I and other critics can kick the tires and decide whether McInnis or other candidates have done a better job or will do a better job of responding to voters’ (not just the base’s) concerns.

If you don’t like the P4P, why not? Let’s see your concerns and criticisms. Please be very specific with your complaints and constructive with your recommendations.

The fact is that at some point a candidate has to take charge. He can’t rule by committee or straw pole. He has to show his creativity and political skills. McInnis is doing a pretty good job of that while Maes is mostly just complaining. I keep waiting for Maes to counter the P4P. He claims that it steals from his ideas, but that’s what smart politicians do. They co-op their opponents and claim the best ideas as their own. Of course, the opponents don’t like it, but politics ain’t fair.

What you fail to realize is that backroom deals, and platforms formulated without consultation of the party in general, is not only outdated but completely deaf to the current political climate.

McInnis can win all the money primaries he wants–he still needs to earn the votes of Republicans and any other Colorado voter, not simply expect their deference and demand their vote because he happened to raise a bunch of money.

Like you said, we may not pull the handle for Ritter but it may not be for anyone either. That’s not the enthusiasm you need among your electorate to unseat an incumbent.