Comments on: Santoro bloc collapses

By: Still not Graham Jaeschke

Still not Graham Jaeschke — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:38:38 +0000

The Santo Bloc is currently operating on the assumption that the preselection of Boyce will be a pyrrhic victory. They are betting that over the next few months that they will work their arses off to get their numbers up while the non-Santo side rest on their laurels.
Whilst this process of rebuilding is occurring, they will try to cloud their true status in order to avoid alerting the other side to what is going on. By being seen to back Quinn the Santo people are aiming to portray themselves as “reasonable” and willing to put the party above personal interests (essentially verfied from Powell’s withdrawal media release).
The non-Santo people need to learn from history here and work hard to keep the Santo people in the minority. The first step to that end would be a total membership audit (particularly of the Young Libs).

By: Graham Young

Graham Young — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:17:01 +0000

Hmmmm. Why would they try to make themselves look less powerful than they are? Santoro’s power is partly built on the bluff that he can do something to someone, even if he can’t. The victim minimises their risk and does what they are asked to do. Once they’ve done that a couple of times they’ve signed-up for the whole program by course of conduct and force of habit.
So clouding the numbers doesn’t appear like a smart strategy.

By: This is not Graham Jaeschke

This is not Graham Jaeschke — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:59:15 +0000

The Santo people were “clouding” their numbers with some of their people backing Boyce purely in order to not totally reveal their real numbers. They knew they didn’t have the numbers which is why Powell withdrew.
It’s important not to read too much into this result. The big test will be over the next party President ballot later in the year at state convention. Watch for a major regrouping.