Audra Shay's comments on her Facebook wall have sparked infighting among the Young Republicans
In yet another in a long line of Web 2.0-related scandals, shockers and gaffes, the Young Republicans, whose membership includes conservatives under the age of 40 (which alone raises an interesting issue: a Young Republican could run for president), have erupted into infighting over a series of wall comments posted on the Facebook page of Audra Shay, a candidate for chairman of the organization. The comments themselves, as well as Miss Shay’s light-hearted responses, are despicable and illustrate a fundamental lack of understanding, and not just among the “good ol’ boys” of the party elite: what happens on the Internet does not stay there.
Infighting In Public
The comments have prompted other candidates for the chairmanship to voice their disapproval and many are waiting to see how Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, who has endorsed Shay’s candidacy, will respond to the new scandal. The conflict mirrors several divisions that have created tension within the Republican Party proper. Saturday’s tea parties saw Senator Cornyn of Texas and South Carolina’s Gresham Barrett booed on the steps of the Texas Capitol and in Greenville, SC, respectively. Venerable national security heavyweight Colin Powell clashed very publicly with Dick Cheney over torture and Powell’s endorsement of Obama. Rush Limbaugh and Michael Steele continue to clash over the Party’s national leadership positions. Continue reading…