The RNC's "purity test" is a mistake

I don’t care what’s on the list, the idea of a “purity test” sends chills down my spine. It sounds like a McCarthyite “loyalty test.”

Integrity and character aren’t mentioned. So, presumably, if two candidates were running for office and one met the purity test but cheated on his wife, gave no money to charity, and treated his staff like chattel, he would get funding against a candidate who, let’s say, was an Iraq vet, outstanding father and husband, head of the local YMCA, but disagrees with three of the Republican National Committee public-policy positions…

One of the party’s superstars and top recruits could, by these standards, be considered impure. Mike Castle, a former Delaware governor and congressman and beloved legend in the state, is lining up to run for Joe Biden’s Senate seat against Biden’s son Beau. But, if the purists have their way, Castle could get scratched off the official endorsement list and lose significant support and funding.

Principles are fine. Party platforms are fine. The Contract With America was great politics. But, if the GOP tells candidates that they have to properly genuflect to an agenda or they are not welcome in the party then we shouldn’t be surprised when candidates and voters will go looking elsewhere for a party or movement that welcomes diversity of thought.