Those of us who are involved in or follow Chester County government and politics, and many others in the County, are talking about former Commissioner Colin Hanna's appearance on Monday night's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Read the Daily Local News front-page article on the interview, which includes my observations, in purple.

I was surprised Colin would let himself get trapped into looking foolish by America's premiere satirical comedy team. But he surely did just that. Watch for yourself. [Sorry, the comedycentral.com video clip, Language Burier, is no longer available. Webmaster 9/22/07]

While the whole matter has been a topic of light conversation, there is something the electorate might remember when Colin's debacle is discussed. Colin served for two terms/eight years as Chester County Commissioner and Chairman of the Board for four years. He left that office only three years ago. Colin is representative of the ultraconservative/religious-right group that captured the Chester County Party in the '90s. That occurrence paralleled the Gingrich/Rove ascendancy at the national level.

The same ultraconservative minority is still in control of the Chester County Republican party under Chairman Skip "Boss" Brion. Current Republican Commissioner candidate Aichele was the chair of right wing, former Senator Rick Santorum's reelection campaign just last year. She was forced to resign under pressure from now Senator Dinniman during the state Senate race in which they competed.

The state of the Chester County Republican Party leadership is a concern to the majority of Chester Countians, especially including thoughtful Republicans. That is why wherever we go, Kathi Cozzone and I are being so warmly received by voters of all persuasions. They are interested in electing mainstream Commissioner candidates who will put the welfare of Chester County first.