Editorial
The sanitized convention

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The state Republican Party will not allow Reed Davis, a GOP candidate for U.S. Senate, to speak at its May 27-29 convention because Davis refuses to promise to be nice. How absurd.

The party wants speakers to agree not to speak ill of other Republicans, including the GOP's favored Senate candidate, Congressman George Nethercutt.

Why does Davis have to agree in advance on topics he will cover?

The new, improved Republican Party wants a cheerful event with no clash of ideas or personalities. Other candidates have signed the pledge, a GOP requirement since 1989. They will keep their comments upbeat and favorable. Fine. It is the party's convention, after all.

But the rule is shortsighted. Convention-goers are smart enough to appreciate disagreements; they understand vigorous debate is good for democracy. It makes sense to vet ideas and candidate strengths and weaknesses in the months before a primary.

Party Chairman Chris Vance and other party officials should not attempt to sanitize the messy game of politics. Let Davis say what he wants to say.