Handeen: We Came, Saw, Conquered

When Handeen’s group took over the KCRCC, he advocated at the time that committee should be used as a weapon to be wielded, which he felt was appropriate at that time. “But now it is time for a new approach,” he said. “We need to transform the central committee from an ultraconservative vanity circle into a neutral ground where we can civilly negotiate an entry of Tea Party ideas in the realm of (local politics).” He said the committee needs to invite honest exchanges of ideas with other Republicans, and remain open to ideas that may work. The Precinct 52 function is the first step to making that happen, Handeen said. While they have made some missteps along the way, Handeen said there were also victories, and he pointed to their successful strategy to get Kootenai County Clerk Jim Brannon appointed to fill the late Cliff Hayes’ term as county clerk/ Jeff Selle , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here. (Gabe Green’s CdA Press photo: County Clerk Jim Brannon speaks at Precinct 52 luncheon)

Question: Given what the ultraconservatives had done to the Central Committee and local Republican Party, why would the “vanquished” be interested in a dialogue that would help them expand power?