Courage of Conviction

Cumberland County Republican Committee endorsement vote tally:

Bruce Barclay (Incumbent County Commissioner): 92 votes
Karen Gunnison: 66 votes  
Gary Eichelberger (Incumbent County Commissioner): 46 votes

I’m a bit surprised frankly - and I had a wrong prediction.  I know that Gary has rubbed some people the wrong way, but I’m surprised of how it turned out.  If I were Gary, I’d be pissed at the committee and tell them to stuff it from here on out.

The more I’ve thought about this vote, the more it is apparent that this was an Establishment vote.  Gunnison’s campaign is being chaired by the previous commissioners Nancy Besch and Earl Keller.  They don’t like what Gary and Bruce have done, or rather undone.  Nancy and Earl represent the establishment in Cumberland County.  No one in the their right mind would take on Barclay - he is well liked and has the resources the take on anyone.  But Gary is a different story.

Gary is outspoken, sometimes to his own detriment - but he knows what he believes and stands for it.  I have a lot of respect for that.  Gary didn’t spend much on his first campaign, but did alot of retail, door-to-door campaigning.  Gary is definately not an establishment guy.

The other thought that comes to mind is that Commissioner Barclay ought to be concerned.  He publically stated that He and Gary were running as a team - yet the County Committee has rejected that.  That tells me that the only reason the are supporting Bruce is because of his strong ties with the National Republican Party, and his fundraising ability. 

I still don’t Karen Gunnison has a shot - she’s unknown throughout the county.  Her best shot is to just campaign in the eastern part of the county - the West Shore. 

Gary would be wise to campaign in the west and central part of the county and Mechanicsburg, where he is from.  That is the areas where he will have the most support anyway. 

This primary will turn into an classic West Shore vs the rest of the county election.  Stay tuned.