Good enough for Goode?

By Published by The Editorial Board

Published: June 20, 2008

Virgil Goode is splitting a mighty fine hair these days. The Dan River Region’s Republican congressman plans to vote for the Republican presidential candidate, John McCain, in November.

But Goode isn’t ready to endorse McCain.

“Between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. McCain, I would vote for Sen. McCain, but I’m not making an endorsement at this time,” Goode said last week.

Despite what they may think, Goode and other Republicans don’t have the luxury of nitpicking with McCain over the issues. This year could be a tough one for Republicans, and if McCain struggles, his problems will hurt a lot of Republican congressional candidates around the country.

That, in turn, would leave our congressman from Rocky Mount with fewer allies in the House of Representatives. A sinking ship can take a lot of good sailors down with it.

McCain is in trouble with members of his own party because he is more moderate than previous Republican presidential candidates and he has worked extensively with Democrats on a number of issues.

That has angered the GOP base. It’s safe to say that a lot of Republicans, like Goode, aren’t especially happy with their party’s presidential candidate. During the campaign, Goode contributed to the long shot campaigns of Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter and Ron Paul.

For all of the disagreements Goode has with McCain, though, they’re nothing compared to the conflicts he would have with Barack Obama in the Oval Office and more Democrats in Congress. Goode would not enjoy serving in the aftermath of a “blue” tidal wave.

Here’s another problem for Goode: If McCain squeaks out a win without Goode’s support, what kind of effectiveness will Goode have within his own party? What chance would Goode have to influence legislation on issues such as immigration and energy?

Not much.

Goode’s decision not to endorse McCain reflects the mixed feelings many conservatives and Republicans have toward the presumptive nominee. Some of it is leftover fatigue and frustration from the nominating contest and hurt feelings by supporters of Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney.

But the Democrats enter this year’s race with more money, more people voting for their candidates during the primaries and caucuses and increased voter registration. Goode needs to endorse — and work hard for — McCain if he hopes to have any effectiveness in Washington.