Matt Salmon to take helm of AZ GOP

Now, now GOP moderates, the religious right hasn't really taken over your party. It's just a bad dream. Even though Matt is a socially conservative true believing Mormon, I'm sure he'll make a place for you.

From the Arizona Republic, Nov. 28, 2004, B8:

Salmon, who loves to drive his Harley, is embarking on a new ride that could be bumpy at times. The stars are aligning for Salmon to be the next chairman of the Arizona Republican Party. It's a monumental task because every statewide office,including the governor's job, is up for grabs in 2006. Salmon would be the public face of a political party that has been its own worst enemy at times with bitter infighting between moderates and conservatives.

See, he's a Harley rider too. Isn't that kewl?

Chip Scaturi of The Arizona Republic interviews Matt:

Q. What kind of role will you have in picking candidates?

A. "There needs to be some frank talk. Rather than just allowing bloodbaths in primaries, the party needs to weigh in and pave the way for the folks who have the best chance of winning. Obviously, this is a free country and no party chairman can
tell people you can't be in a race. But I think the party can exert its influence."

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/1128salmonQampA28.html

Will the number of Mormon GOP candidates increase or decrease under Matt's leadership? He did take this oath in the Mormon Temple:

You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do accept the Law of Consecration as contained in this, the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion (meaning the Mormon Church).

Each of you bow your head and say "yes."

PATRONS: Yes.

PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)

http://www.helpingmormons.org/1984.htm

Is the AZ GOP chairmanship a blessing from the Lord?