It seems Illinois Review's reporting about State Rep. Ron Sandack removing himself as a candidate for ILGOP chair caused some tension between Sandack and radio talk show host Joe Walsh. Below is the twitter string between them.
While the IR report is straightforward, it seems some iteration, elucidation, and vivification may be required. So...breaking down the three-paragraph story:
IR did not credit Rep. Sandack with using the word "fealty". We wrote he was angry with conservatives because of their fealty to the Party Platform. Fealty [fee-uh l-tee] meaning: loyalty, devotion, allegiance.
IR did not imply that Rep. Sandack "ripped" conservatives when he "bowed out". We wrote he blamed conservatives since he cited his stance for gay marriage as the reason he withdrew - a freedom of conscience issue that's important to conservatives.
Finally, Rep. Sandack was overheard by a credible IR reporter "viciously berating conservative Republicans for their positions on gay marriage, gun control, abortion, and their fealty to the Party's platform." While unaware of the reporter's presence, Sandack will doubtless recall his rather vociferous remarks made to his two guests at a Wheaton breakfast diner. Along with the subjects already reported, the State Rep. was quite loquacious about his thoughts on Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, and State Senator Bill Brady.
The Sandack/Walsh twitter feed is below:
.@ronsandack Did u rip conservatives for their stances on guns, life and marriage? Its said u were overheard doing so.
— Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) May 16, 2013
@max_fh @walshfreedom 1st, you're mistaken, I didn't "rip" anyone. 2nd, do you disagree that we Republicans must be far more inclusive?
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) May 16, 2013
@walshfreedomI've never used the word "fealty" in my life & I didn't "rip conservatives when (I) bowed out." Answer my ?, I answered urs
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) May 16, 2013
@walshfreedom Agreed. Let's work on expanding the tent & winning elections so we can implement policies that promote freedom & prosperity.
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) May 16, 2013