Monday, January 9, 2012

My Political Future

I have been asked repeatedly by media and citizens about my political future. I have been approached on the street, sent e-mails, received text messages, etc. They all want to know what my next step is in the world of Kingston and Ulster County politics.

The honest answer is -- I do not know.

I am still a member of the County Republican committee and the City of Kingston Republican Committee. I see a lot of potential for the county committee, though the city committee needs serious changes at the top before they can make progress. What my level of involvement with either or both will be is undecided.

I put my heart and soul into the race for Mayor. When the city committee followed the lead of the Chair and turned against me, it was devastating. Those of you who know me personally know that I put a great deal of time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears into that committee. Losing the nomination was tough. I stepped aside twice for City Judge for the good of the party only to have a party chairman that I helped elect turn on me. The lack of loyalty was hurtful and infuriating.

I still believe in what the party is supposed to stand for, i.e. lower taxes, family values, personal responsibility, etc. Unfortunately, these lofty goals and ideals seem to have taken a back seat to political ambition and the holding of political power.

Though I have no final answer to the question, I will find one eventually. I may run for office again in the future, though I might just focus exclusively on the practice of law. For now, I am enjoying spending time with my wife. The campaign required me to be out of the house a great deal. So, for now, I am content just being Mrs. Cahill's Mr. Cahill.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rich I agree with you 100% about the City Committee. I am almost embarassed to admit that I am a republican due to the leadership currently in power of the local party. Nothing will change unless the committee itself changes, and unfortunatly I do not see that happening.

Richard T. Cahill Jr. said...

10:16,

We will see. I am still hopeful that someone will step forward to challenge Sinagra.

I can tell you that Sinagra made a "bold" pronouncement in November that he would step aside if someone challenged him. Frankly, I do not believe him. I think he is blowing political smoke. BUT, we will see.