Opinion | We Need More ‘Rabid Partisans’ Like Shane Massey

1. 1. South Carolina Senator Shane Massey defied President Trump and Republican colleagues by refusing to support a midterm gerrymander of Democratic districts.
2. 2. Despite identifying as a 'rabid partisan,' Massey presented a principled and pragmatic case for American pluralism and constitutional governance.
3. 3. Massey emphasized the critical importance of the separation of powers and federalism, asserting no entity should dominate the government or states.
4. 4. He argued that robust competition from a 'vibrant and viable' Democratic Party actually strengthens Republicans and improves the political system.
5. 5. Massey directly challenged the 'pre-emptive retaliation' argument that politicians should crush opponents because they would do the same.
6. 6. Massey warned that the nation’s greatest threat is internal destruction if it abandons its own founding principles and values.
7. 7. The author finds hope in unexpected individuals who demonstrate 'uncommon virtue' in challenging national moments, citing Massey as an example.
8. 8. Despite Massey's vote delaying the gerrymander, a special session was called, potentially allowing it to pass, yet his statement remains powerful.