Sadly, it is Sandy Treadwell and his gaggle of blue-blooded, old-world liberal Republican cronies who were entirely responsible for the leftward drift which has rendered our party weakened and largely ineffective at the state and local level. Yes, even with a Governor as controversial and politically inept as Spitzer, we lack the self-identity, passion and organization required to capitalize on a string of significant and what should have been fatal, Democratic Party trip-ups.

Here is the good news: The current predicament will improve. As Republicans we are naturally inclined to embrace a positive vision of the future. Here is the reality: In order to do so, we must consciously avoid the mistakes of the past and willingly renounce those guilty of usurping & perverting our sacred tenants, largely for selfish and hedonistic purposes.

Alexander Treadwell had his chance to shape the policies of our state and our party. Clearly it is an area he is woefully inept at affecting in any positive or worthy fashion. Quite frankly, it is shocking to consider that he has even been afforded the slightest opportunity to manipulate his way back into the affairs of the Republican Party, at any level.

This twisted notion that Sandy Treadwell should be elected to Congress as a Republican simply because he is wealthy is madness. His sense of entitlement is more aligned with those who occupy the opposite side of the isle.

Fool us once, shame on Treadwell. Fool us twice, shame on all of us.