Last week in Hershey, the Republican State Committee of Pennsylvania voted to endorse candidates for office in Pennsylvania’s 2012 Primary Election.  Hours later, the PA GOP emerged with a full slate of capable, qualified and endorsed candidates who will rely on the Party’s funds and volunteer network to help propel them to victory over their Democratic challengers in November.  As it happens during every election cycle, those on the periphery (and some from within) cry foul at the process and compare it to the Employee Free Choice Act (also known as “card check”).  In most Republican circles, accusing an institution of card check is nearly as polarizing as comparing one’s opponent to Adolf Hitler.

Those who are making these accusations argue that, to avoid arm-twisting and deals made in smoke-filled rooms amongst the party bosses, the elected State Committee Members have the right to cast a secret ballot in order to vote their conscience.  The argument continues to state that to do otherwise is the equivalent to imposing the will of an employer or a labor union, through threats and intimidation to cast votes in favor of unionization, therefore, until State Committee allows members to cast secret ballots, the endorsement process is a sham.

However, if the State Committee Members are elected by the public, should they not be held accountable for their votes to the public who elected them? Imagine the outcry if members of Congress had the ability to cast a secret ballot.  The very same individuals in opposition to card check would rightfully cry out against special interests being used to influence votes without the public being able to know where their elected officials stand.

The way the Committee is designed, the State Committee members must go back to the public and the members of the County Republican Committees who elect them, and be able to come up with a better reason for voting to endorse a particular candidate besides the popular “Corbett made me do it”.
If the will of the constituents is not respected by the State Committee, then the electorate has a responsibility to vote them out of office.

Additionally, let us not be under the illusion that these poor State Committee Members are receiving any financial benefit from their time on the committee, let alone, depending upon it for their livelihood.  Unlike employees fearful for their jobs, making decisions based on whether or not they will be able to provide for their families, these members choose to be part of the Committee, choose to be part of the process and have a responsibility to the voters they represent to stand upon their convictions.

Let’s be clear- card check is a dangerous tool of labor unions that have become instruments of the left wing.  The Employee Free Choice Act is neither for employees or free choice- and the State Committee endorsement does not resemble it in any way.

Whether or not the State Committee should endorse at all is a different conversation (See “Op-Ed ‘A Reason to Endorse‘”   however, as it looks as though this will continue to be the process, should it not be done in the light of day?

(Bill Coder is the former Executive Director of the Republican Committee of Lancaster County and a blogger with Keystone Conservative )

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