Browsing Drudge this morning, a link to CBS News, New York, on-line caught my eye. The headline read: "Pundit: If Anyone Scares The New York City Democrats, It’s Joe Lhota."
Lhota was formerly head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and today’s the first time I’ve come across him, but after reading the article I certainly agree with the CBS conclusion. Because although he’s a “Republican in a heavily Democratic city. He’s fiscally conservative, but he is pro-choice and favors marriage equality. He said he would perform a same-sex marriage if asked.”
The article went on to explain that he was first deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani and that “He is a frank, law and order kind of guy who minces no words. Take the NYPD’s controversial stop-and-frisk program (where Lhota said) “Anyone who says we should eliminate stop-and-frisk really is putting the city in danger.”
“He has equally strong views about taxes. They should be reduced or eliminated.”
And finally, the concluding quote was “Lhota is also known for bluntly speaking his mind. After Hurricane Sandy, for example, he called Mayor Michael Bloomberg an idiot.”
So, here it seems we have a guy who isn’t afraid to make a point and to me sounds much like Rudy himself, whereas he'll step out of the party line if in disagreement.
And that’s the part I think is so important.
Because so much of politics today is mired under tons of social and non-governmental issues causing highly qualified candidates to lose elections at every level due to influences that have nothing to do whatsoever with their ability to get the job done. However, many of those having little or no ability to function at all, yet stick to the strict party line, have very good chances of winning regardless.
Now, in this case, Rudy himself proved that the mayoralty can be won by a scrappy, competent candidate who frankly speaks his mind. And that ‘s obviously what’s scaring Democrats in NYC. But beyond that point, I hope Mr. Lhota illustrates to other Republicans around the nation, and especially those in DC, that if you use common sense while maintaining an open mind, you have a far greater chance of winning elections and serving the greater good.
That's it for today folks.
Adios
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