A Tale of Two Democrats

An interesting sight has developed in the Western Washtenaw County area. You can see the yards of prominent democrats, displaying the expected Obama, Schauer and Byrnes signs. But with them, you almost always can spot a sign for Mark Ouimet, Republican candidate for County Commissioner.

Now - my friend Mark Ouimet has done an outstanding job representing the entire distict. He is proud to represent everybody, Democrats as well as Republicans. And he does it well. He reaches across the aisle. He believes in the core Republican tenets, yet manages to address the basic concerns of Democrats and Independents.

I daresay, however, that a hidden, unwritten code of Republican behavior, is that we do value bipartisanship as a matter of principle. The word "republican," itself, means to be a spokesperson for your constituents, to effectively address the concerns of a district, state, or nation, as a whole, without regard to party.

"Democrat" on the other hand, is a word founded upon the principle of majority rule. If you are not in the majority, you may be out of luck!

My experiences, and observations, tell me that I am not out of line.

My local Democratic friends are wise to support our friend Mark Ouimet. He is progressive enough for them, and they know he is truly effective. Occasionally a local candidate will come along, that allows the more thoughtful Democrats to scratch their bi-partisan itch. This is Mark Ouimet; a very good choice for all the voters in our district.

But within the heart and soul of each of these Democratic voters, is a bitter partisan that, in the end, will always put party first, ahead of principle or what is best for their neighbors. Each Democrat, is really two Democrats.

Mark Ouimet reminds me of another Republican with a striking record of reaching across the aisle. That's right, Mark is like John McCain. And if he goes far enough (and he has the potential to do just that), his local Democratic friends, one day, will turn on him and treat him as they have the conscientious, country-first patriot, John McCain.

It is easy for Democrats to support a Republican, at the local level. But few of them will stand up to the party bosses and special interest groups, if someone like Mark, or John McCain, ever aspires to a high enough of a position. Party will trump principle at that point. And some good friends and neighbors of ours, will not be courageous enough, at that point, to do right.

I have voted for Democrats in the past: Max Cleland, Zell Miller, John Hansen.

I am glad that my Democratic friends are supporting my friend, Mark Ouimet.

I wonder if the support of our Democratic friends, is deep and pure enough, to extend to State, or Federal office, for Mark? I have my doubts.