Virginia is the only state in the union that doesn’t have registration by party.
That means that if you say you’re a Republican, then you are. Sorta.
That does however leave out the other side of the equation – what do others think? When it’s doubted, it gets labeled. The most perennial label is RINO. However, this neglects a section of operatives that are instead: highjackers.
They know the republican association has value to voters and act in such a way to be esteemed as a Republican but are deliberate and energetic in working against the established goals of the party.
The party exists in three levels. Local, State, and Federal. We’ll focus on local.
Locally the same rule applies – if you say a republican, then you are – at least in your own mind or motive. What do others think? How do they make an estimation?
One is how you align with the platform. People will draw a conclusion from that and form their own impression. Another is the application of a simple and flawed measure. How you vote. If you’re voting for democrats in the primary, you’ll have to stop and renounce that behavior to be counted as a republican by the local unit IF you’re attempting to participate in official party membership and activities like mass meetings or conventions.
Another more relevant status is when you’re running in a local election. People want to know who the Republicans are. There are no R’s and D’s and I’s on the ballot, so it’s a matter of campaigning and informing. This effort is made by the candidates, their supporters, and their corresponding legally recognized party unit. The party unit has the power to put up a nominee who then enjoys official status as a republican on the ballot. Of course not all candidates get nominated, and must pursue an endorsement if they want official party status. Even so, they must fulfil the requirement for signatures to gain ballot access. This is common for republicans who want to run for School Board. However, clearly some Republicans don’t seek nomination and pursue endorsement instead – the reasons vary. Some reasons are good and some are poor. It depends.
To conclude, if you identify as a republican, and you vote right, and you file for and receive either a nomination or endorsement, then you are a republican and should be perceived by voters as such.
But… not so fast. That perception part above. That matters. That really matters. Even with the official measure, you may loose the public perception as a republican based on what you say, what you do and don’t do, and who else you support on the ticket. Saying so ends up not making it so when voters don’t agree. And if they begin to understand that you’re a RINO or a party highjacker, well.. It’s not good for election results.
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