Cheers: To reasonable politics. The Clark County Republican Party has lifted a censure of Marc Boldt that was imposed in 2012. Boldt was a Republican county commissioner at that time, lost his seat, and later won election as county chair while running without a party affiliation. After a contentious internal battle led to a new board being elected for the local arm of the party, the previous censure was lifted.
This cheer isn’t about Boldt, but a new direction for local Republicans. The party has recently been led by members who cling to ideological rigidity to the detriment of the party. David Gellatly, chairman of the Clark County Republican Party told The Columbian: “The new board wants to start with a positive, clean slate and not have the baggage hanging over our head by decisions made by previous leadership.” A positive approach will be a more effective way for Republicans to get their message across.
Jeers: To offshore drilling. The Trump administration has announced plans to despoil coastal waters throughout the United States by selling leases for offshore oil and gas drilling. The plan could result in unsightly drilling platforms and open the prospect of accidents leading to massive oil spills along coastlines. In 2010, an explosion at a drilling site led to 4 million gallons of crude flowing into the Gulf of Mexico near Louisiana.
Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, has said that she opposes the plan for states where residents do not desire offshore drilling — and Washington clearly fits that description. Gov. Jay Inslee and others have questioned why Florida was removed as a prospective drilling location when its Republican governor objected. Offshore drilling is an absurd idea that would invite environmental disaster; leaders in Washington and elsewhere should continue to loudly object to the proposal.
