Here's a simple observation. The Pennington County Republican Party is held together by ideological policing.
While Republican leaders speak the rhetoric of freedom, rights of conscience and wisdom of the individual, the ideological enforcers, including Bill Napoli and Elli Schwiesow, have a clear message: be of the same opinion or be excused from the Republican party.
Napoli and Schwiesow co-wrote in 2004:
Let those individuals agitating for moderation go or they will ultimately weaken the party ... perhaps the Democrats could enlarge their tent enough to hold them.
It seems they are getting their wish.
Recently Napoli demanded that Sen. Adelstein be drummed out of office for doing no more than speaking for the cause of moderation. With certitude focused like a laser, Napoli has apparently appointed himself the high inquisitor of the S.D. GOP.
The Democratic Party also contends with ideological divisions. Many Democrats support HB1215. Many more oppose it.
And after lengthy debate at our convention, we unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging that on issues of deep moral concern, the individual's conscience shall not be overridden by the political party agenda.
These events make it clear which political party will promote and protect my freedom on election day.
JUSTIN LENA
Chair, Pennington County Democrats
Rapid City
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