Shame on AFP / NH for getting partisan in the NH Republican Gubernatorial Primary - Granite Grok

Shame on AFP / NH for getting partisan in the NH Republican Gubernatorial Primary

AFP - NHYeah, this is a “bite the hand that fed ya” type of post – I was named AFP’s National Activist of the Year back in 2011 and Steve was named AFP’s National Blogger of the month in December 2012.  I would like to point out that this post also shows that while we have friends, we must also point out “wrong doing” by them just as if they were not – else we would be hypocritical.  Above all, we value the reputation we have built by being equal opportunity Flashlighters when anyone crosses a line that they should not.  And yes, we hold our friends to a higher standard.

Thus, I got a bit peeved when I saw this in my email that came in from a ‘Grok Friend while I was out doing errands this afternoon (up North a bit of gunsmithing for me & leaving some bucks with BJs – given that Obama has declared September to be “PrepareAThon”, he should be proud of me!).  What the heck is the Honorary Chair of Americans for Prosperity / NH Tom Thomson getting involved in the NH Republican Primary for Governor??   Reformatted and emphasis mine:

Today, Sept. 2, 2014, it was announced by Tommy Thompson (Honorary Chair of NH AFP), that he was endorsing Walt Haverstein, in the race for NH Governor. NH AFP will tell you they do not “endorse” candidates, but those in the know, understand how the game is played.  The truth is Tommy will carry the “message” of Havenstein’s endorsement for AFP while looking as though NH AFP was not actually involved.  NH Americans for Prosperity has sold out the grassroots here in NH! They have been coopted by the NH GOP!

See below why I give this last sentence credence; more of that email and my response:

I ask you to send this email to every liberty-loving person you know.  I ask that you call and/or email, and/or Facebook your friends about this.  I have included the contact info for Americans For Prosperity’s National Office.  Contact them and tell them NH AFP has asked for conservative grassroot support and money again and again these past years. Yet now, they have actively turned against the grassroots here in NH.  SHAME ON THEM.

Andrew Hemingway is a true conservative and would be a great Governor for New Hampshire.  Enough is enough.  Please contact AFP and let them know how you feel.  NH AFP has been a success because of the support WE have given them.  Time to let them know we will not continue to support an organization which is working against the grassroots here in New Hampshire.

Thank you.

AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY National Office
2111 WILSON BLVD – SUITE 350 – ARLINGTON, VA 22201 | 866-730-0150
http://americansforprosperity.org/contact/

Yes, I’m glad he sent it to me.  No, I am unhappy that it had to be sent.  Yes, we have endorsed Andrew Hemingway for NH Gov, but that’s not the point.  AFP is supposed to be all about Free Markets – a message that Andrew Hemingway has preached ever since he introduced himself to me 6 years ago.  Yet, with the AFP/NH Honorary Chair endorsing Havenstein, I have to wonder about that message now – after all, defense companies are nothing BUT some of the biggest rent seekers from the Federal Government.  Yes, it is for defense of the country (one of the few actual powers delegated to the Federal Government to keep us safe from external enemies), but make no mistake – it is NOT a free market marketplace – politics, side deals, and cronyism abounds and as both BAE and SAIC were two of the bigger players, I cannot see how Havenstein could be perceived as a Free Marketeer (and I have tired of the excuse of “I had to do this for the company but I personally….” schtick.  Yes, politics is where AFP / NH plays, but with this leaving of their primary message, is this a signal that it will be devolving into mere partisan politics?

I also add that when Cory Lewandowski ran this local chapter, he was ALWAYS supporting the local grassroots and would never cross that bond.  Yet, in doing this now, AFP /NH has turned a blind eye to the sexual slur that Havenstein hurled at the grassroots, especially the TEA Party folks that form the bulk of AFP / NH’s supporter base.  Yet, AFP / NH wants us to emulate their behavior?

Not happening.  Wrong decision, AFP / NH.  Bad decision.

Sure, I make no friends and probably create some enemies with this post, but Shakespeare’s advice still holds true: to thine own self be true.  If we place our friends beyond our ire, we are no better than those that we call out pretty much every day.  Can’t have that, can we?

BTW, anyone think it ironic that Tom Thomson the Tax Axer has endorsed Walt “took a tax credit I shouldn’t have” Havenstein?

Monopoly-CommChest-MDtax

>