Why We Need John McCain

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/arizona-gop-censures-mccain-for-liberal-record/2014/01/25/939f1bcc-862e-11e3-aff8-191f8d178325_story.html

The Arizona Republican Party has officially censured Senator John McCain stating that he is insufficiently conservative. Although plenty of people have acknowledged that no further action will be taken and that silly resolutions pass at these meetings frequently, this is not good for our party. Worse, the resolution condemns his association with liberal Democrats.

This disappoints me on many levels. While I may not agree with Senator McCain on all of his views, I respect him for getting things done. His willingness to compromise and work with the other side is the little efficiency left in Congress. If the Republican Party starts to censure politicians like him, we will get no where. I understand the importance of party members who will fight for the conservative agenda with or without victory, but we also need a working government. Senator McCain is one of those people who helps make that happen. It worries me that working with Democrats has become a sin in our party. I see the ability to work with the other side critical to our success in the next election.

Interestingly, if you check the sponsorship record of Senator McCain it falls to the right of Senator Ted Cruz (https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/ted_cruz/412573). And, man, when I think of Ted Cruz, I think liberal! I hope the Arizona Republican Party recognizes this and resolutions censuring Senator Cruz for his liberalness follow soon. McCain's Arizona colleague, Jeff Flake, has a more liberal sponsorship record making me wonder why we should isolate one of our party leaders? Censure them all!

I also know that this resolution does not represent the view of the party as the whole, but unfortunately for us, that is not always a distinction the average person makes. This resolution reflects poorly on the Republican Party and I refuse to be associated with it. Senator McCain gives me hope that we can push forward a conservative agenda by working with the other party and, yes, compromising. He recognizes that our absence in the White House means we have to make extra efforts and I hope more Republicans follow his lead.