My syndicated column this week is on NY-23.

Here’s an e-mail in response, from a frustrated conservative in Texas:

I hope Hoffman wins. I sent money to his campaign. But . . .
It has become so “conservo-chic” to attack the GOP that it’s becoming trite. It’s also not helpful.
The NY GOP nominated a very poor candidate. There’s definitely a problem with the NY GOP and the process they used for this nomination. The biggest problem with the NY GOP, however, is that conservatives do not want to participate in local politics at a precinct level. Party involvement is not difficult. The GOP isn’t the NFL, or the NBA – you don’t have to run a 4.4 – 40; or be 6′-9″ and have a 50″ vertical leap. You just have to show up, and argue your points.
Currently, local GOP precinct conventions in my precinct have about 5-6 people show up. Usually 3 of them are left leaning women who want to talk about the environment. In the past, ONE more person siding with me could’ve prevented us from sending a left leaning climate resolution onward to the county convention. (Thankfully here in Texas those got voted down at the county level)
But the point is, the National level GOP has very little choice but to support the local GOP in their nominations. When conservatives don’t participate and allow their local precincts to be overrun with left leaning activists, the result is left leaning candidates. If the “template for conservative success” becomes – abandon the GOP and challenge with a third party – It’s doubtful anything will be accomplished but a Democrat victory.