It’s understandable that Ms. Scozzafava wouldn’t want to endorse Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, due to their differing political beliefs, but the same should be true of Bill Owens. I’m one of those rare people who seems to think a political pary in a two-party system needs to have a wide umbrella with some core issues that bring people together. One of those core issues should be increasing the number of GOP House seats to help Republicans gain control of the House and attempt to bring fiscal restraint. By offering an endorsement ot Bill Owens, Ms. Scozzafava has offered her support to Nancy Pelosi. That is unacceptable. Unlike other Republicans who quickly rushed to Hoffman’s side, she would have been better served by staying neutral and quietly casting her vote on election day. Instead, she betrays her party.

We could be at the beginning of an exciting time for the Republican party. Republican candidates seem to have a strong chance of winning gubernatorial races in both Virginia and New Jersey, along with a Conservative candidate in NY23. Unfortunately, it looks like there could be the makings of a civil war among conservative/GOP voters. For those conservatives who don’t care, ask yourself this question: Will a divided GOP be able to win back control of the House and Senate, and defeat Barack Obama in 2012? As long as we continue to marginalize moderate Republicans, and members lose their identification with the party, our chances seem slim.

While Dede Scozzafava’s decision will likely lead to greater unity for Conservative candidate Douglas Hoffman, it certainly doesn’t bode well for moderate Republicans in general. I’ve never been a big fan of the two party system, since it essentially forces people to pick the side that is closest, rather than a side that is close. That results in a certain ideological heterogeneity that you wouldn’t find in a multiparty system. Unfortunately, it seems that some on the far right don’t seem to get this, and have a tendency to lash out at moderates the same way they would at Nancy Pelosi. It’s similar to a “with us or against us” mindset.

I’m a registered Republican who is a staunch supporter of limited government. I strongly support low taxes, reduced spending, and less bureaucracy. On the flip side, I’m pro-choice, support gay marriage, and the decriminalization of marijuana. If I were running for Congress, I’d probably have social conservatives from all over the country rooting for my political demise. Why? Because I’m ideologically consistent. I truly support limited government, not only in fiscal matters, but also those of a personal nature. Just like excessive taxation is an impediment to liberty, the same is true of a government which attempts to control our personal decisions.

For many, there seems to be a disconnect. They want limited government, but they also want government to control and legislate morality. I respect socially conservative views, and in many ways, lead my own life in that fashion. With that said, it isn’t the government’s role to impose these views on the citizenry. It is the responsibility of families, and most importantly, the individual.