GOP strategy smacks of Rove

The call by Republican Party leaders for a revote in the governor’s election has nothing to do with fairness and integrity in the election process. It has everything to do with Karl Rove political campaign strategy 101.

Karl Rove trains candidates to 1) claim victory at the earliest possible moment, regardless of whether the votes have been counted; 2) not concede, but rather challenge, any closely lost election; and 3) if the vote doesn’t go your way, never stop campaigning to sway public opinion.

This strategy has been working for Republicans in close elections all across the country, and it only makes sense they would pursue it here in Washington, as well. The pattern is clear, and this outrage on the part of State Republican Party Chair Chris Vance and Company is typical Karl Rove campaign strategy. We can expect them to continue using this strategy, regardless of its divisive effect, until we, the people, no longer tolerate it.

Doug McKee

Freeland

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