I just read the MCall report about the fundraising. Dollars aside, I was struck that the article mentioned the donations of GOP big timers such as Elmer Gates and Jane Baker throwing money to Don Cunningham. That is a HUGE statement in my mind. They very clearly said that Jane Ervin is not their choice. When you have a prominent money man like Gates and the woman who held the position before Ervin throwing money and support to Cunningham, there has to be some big concern for Republicans hoping to hold this seat. I'm certain that Baker and Gates were only a couple of Republicans that were on the report, since they carry with them a reasonable network of contributors and friends.
This otherwise very quiet race, until now, just got a little bit louder.
Baker and Gates are using this race to make a statement. Gates created a separate group of "power players" to compete with Charlie Snellings' gang.
Baker just likes to stir things up. She was behind Peg Ferraro's failed race against Bob Nyce, which shows she is losing clout. Baker should just change her registration to Democrat.
I think it is oversimplistic to say that Baker is losing clout and using the Ferraro race as an example. She was not the only GOP leader to back Ferraro. Yes, Baker is losing clout... she's no longer in elected office, but she does carry a sphere of influence that can't be ignored. It's also nice for Cunningham's campaign to say "endorsed by the previous GOP county executive." That has bite for those not inside of the county party but still regular party voters.
Regardless of motivations, the fact that Gates is not backing the GOP candidate says something. If his concern was challenging Snelling, he would have found a better candidate to run against 70% Jane. When Ervin loses Snelling's going to take a hit.
I find it amazing that the Lehighco dems don't have these kinds of power plays. Granted we don't have much organization period, but we sure as hell don't go out and beat ourselves up to grab what little there is.
