Congressional candidate Eddie Edwards caused a ruckus at the New Hampshire GOP debate recently when he refused to sign a silly "loyalty pledge" committing himself to support the 1st CD Republican nominee, regardless of who that might be. (Here's a hint: It won't be Andy Sanborn.) He was asked to leave, which he did with integrity intact, knowing that he answers to his conscience and the voters and not a room full of stale party hacks.
Hysterical voices claim that he's done for, or that he won't debate Sanborn, but everyone should take a deep breath. There are still going to be a couple of debates, where Edwards will have his chance to demonstrate leadership and a firm, principled stance on the issues – not to mention the kind of temperament and character needed going into the general election.
Little dramas like the NHGOP debate/pledge are only important to old establishment types who get charged up by candidates swearing fealty to their party. Independent voters, like me, don't give a damn about the Republican Party – we want a good candidate. Eddie Edwards is showing himself to be that candidate more and more every day.
