The Battle for Fairness in the Republican Party: A Saga of Insurgents and Old Guard

At the Republican Convention in 2000, the battle for fairness raged on, echoing the struggles of the past when former President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Robert Taft of Ohio fought against cunning and unfair tactics. Four decades after Taft's son tried to block Eisenhower supporters from contesting the pro-Taft Texas delegation, the state of New York remains a stronghold of boss rule, leaving rank-and-file Republicans to face formidable obstacles in their pursuit of delegates. Governor George Pataki's efforts to reduce ballot access hurdles may not be enough to satisfy federal court scrutiny, and the issue of fairness in the party's primary politics continues to simmer.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2000 New York Republican primary has become a focal point for insurgent vs. Old Guard politics, with Governor George Pataki's attempts to reduce ballot access obstacles potentially influencing the outcome of the primary.
• Steve Forbes, an insurgent candidate, spent $1.8 million to get on the ballot four years ago due to the state's onerous signature requirements, highlighting the difficulties faced by Republican candidates who challenge the party's establishment.
• John McCain's campaign has accused Bush's team of arranging to disqualify his supporters' signatures in Brooklyn districts, fueling claims of unfair tactics and politicking.
• The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential for a contested convention, with McCain volunteers expecting to appear on the ballot in a respectable percentage of the state's districts, despite the challenges posed by New York's signature requirements.
• A contested convention could lead to a fight for fairness, potentially resulting in the RNC's contest committee and televised credentials committee being drawn into the conflict.

Statistics:

• $1.8 million: The amount Steve Forbes spent to get on the ballot four years ago due to the state's onerous signature requirements, highlighting the difficulties faced by Republican candidates who challenge the party's establishment.
• 2000: The year in which the Republican Convention saw the battle for fairness between insurgents and the Old Guard, echoing the struggles of the past.
• 8 March 2000: The day of the New York and California primaries that will likely decide the Republican nomination.

Sources:

• The New York Times (presumably, but exact date and publication not provided)
• Jules Witcover's article (no specific reference cited, but assumed to be a press interview or article)