THE GOP DILEMMA

The Republican party is facing a real problem this election cycle. While there are plenty of names of Democrats being tossed about as possible contenders for public office next year – be it for the congressional seat now held by Haley Stevens, the state senate seat now held by Mallory McMorrow, or the state House seat now held by Democrat Natalie Price, should she seek McMorrow’s senate seat – the rumor mill is still when it comes to possible GOP contenders for any of these posts. As for the 11th congressional district, one top Republican honcho said “nobody wants it because they know they can’t win.” The same would seem to apply for the other two potential openings in 2026. Good information several weeks ago had it that the county party has what is being called a “recruitment committee” that includes some notable Republican stalwarts, former state Senator Mike Kowall among them, which is being charged with finding some names to at least put on the ballot. So far, no takers for three districts that have clearly gone “blue” in recent years. So come next year if you see a Republican running in these three races, you can assume these folk have agreed to fall on their sword, so to speak, for the sake of the party’s reputation.