BREWER: Rino Hunting – A Weekend At The Advance
By Emily Brewer
This past weekend the party faithful gathered together for the 32nd Annual Republican Party of Virginia Advance.
I decided to make the trek to The Homestead with my husband in tow for a weekend of socializing with Republican friends across Virginia. We arrived Friday afternoon and made our way to Registration and check out “Vendor Row.”
As expected, candidates for office in 2016 and 2017 peppered the walkway to the main Event Hall with buttons, literature and a smile. As I neared Welcome Reception, I noticed a book for sale, prominently displayed as a vendor (presumably that RPV accepted payment from) is the book table for “How to Bag a Rino” by Zach Werrell and Gray Delany.
The most disturbing part is that RPV allowed the attendance of such a vendor that is clearly attempting to profit from the divide in the Party, that John Whitbeck said he is trying to unite. (Washington Post, March 2, 2015).
As if the term, “Rino”, (“Republican in Name Only”) isn’t ridiculous enough, the book authors decided to blow up their personal definition on large boards to make it clear.
I was fully expecting a “How Republican Are You?” test at one of the Hospitality Suites, but I guess they couldn’t afford one of those as book sales seem to be lagging.
Because I needed to learn more to see if I might be a “RINO”, I made sure to check out the website www.howtobagarino.com. While I didn’t find a list to diagnose myself, I did learn that “RINO Hunters” are the appropriate term for those that seek out RINOs. I would imagine the photos being taken outside of the Virginia Conservative Network may have been for RINO identification though. (Note: Talk to your legislator about bag limits, Rinos need a reprieve before they become extinct).
On a more serious note, I am tired of the infighting. I am tired of people judging what percentage of a Republican someone is. I want to WIN in 2016 and 2017. Instead of dividing ourselves with labels, let’s multiply our committees with new membership. Bottom Line: If the intent of the weekend was to “Advance” our Party forward, RPV should have scrutinized their vendors, of course that is if the Party Unity line has any meaning.
(Rino Definition) http://www.howtobagarino.com/the-list/
(Cantor Hit List) http://www.howtobagarino.com/the-cantor-list/
Emily Brewer is a political consultant from Suffolk and is treasurer of the Western Tidewater Young Republicans.
