Grassroots Power

     We had some very interesting primary race results recently.  House Republican Majority Leader Eric Cantor lost his seat in the primary race to David Brat.  After 13 years in Congress, there is a lot of speculation about why Cantor lost.

     Political strategists and the media speculate on dozens of things that might explain the loss.  The tea party, poor polling, division in the Republican party, and Cantor’s position or changing positions on issues like Obama care and immigration are a few of many possible reasons.

     Cantor was part of the big government establishment and the political elite.  To me the most interesting thing is that Cantor outspent Brat 25 to 1, but could not buy the primary win.  I find this very encouraging.  I am sick of big money perpetuating the political elite and the growth of big government.  

     I don’t know a lot about Eric Cantor, but from what I do know, he is smart, honest, and a hard worker.  I think his biggest mistake was that he took the constituents he represented for granted and did not spend time with them.  He needed to spend more time in the Richmond, VA district he represented.  His political career is not over if he starts listening to the people that elect him. 

     Senator Lindsey Graham won his primary by a large margin.  This was not expected a couple years ago, but Graham recognized that the real power was with the voters he represented.  He went home frequently and listened to the complaints of his constituents.  It worked. 

     One career politician I have a lot of respect for is U.S. Senator Charles, (Chuck) Grassley from Iowa.  He drove an old Oldsmobile into the ground holding town meetings in all 99 Iowa counties every year.  He listens to the people he represents.  He won reelection easily every six years.  His campaign ads are interesting, because they seldom mention his party affiliation or his opponent.   He just identifies with the hard-working people he represents.

     Working America is fed up with big government.  It is not working.  Elected officials need to listen to the people or they might not get reelected regardless of how much money they have in their war chest.  I am sick and tired of politicians being able to buy elections. 

     I find the fact that Cantor lost in spite of outspending his opponent 25 to 1 very encouraging for the future of this great country.