After weeks of taking shots from the blogosphere, Krishna decided enough was enough, saying not only do they “spew hatred” and spread lies, but Iowa’s anonymous bloggers also discourage good people from getting involved in politics.

The response from anonymous blogger Krusty Konservative was more laid back than one might expect, but every bit as unforgiving.

Gopal, I have not lied about your past; I have simply made sure people knew about it. Sorry you if you cannot accept the truth. You might be glad to know that I held back at times, because I wanted to keep the debate about your “candidacy” for chairman about the facts.

Another anonymous blogger at “In Flyover Country” took a more direct approach, saying the bloggers are more loyal to the state party than someone who would criticize it publicly.

Yes, we’re the ones going out and blasting the entire central committee.  We’re the ones name-calling in public of those people who would NEVER vote for us, and we’re bitter about it.  We’re the ones who got kicked off the SCC in 2000.  How could we be so blind.  You’re right, almighty Gopal.  We’re the big, bad BLOGGER PEOPLE!!!  Ooooooh….we’re so scary.

“In Flyover Country” also told it’s readers that Krishna announcing he was not a candidate is proof that…

… there is a God, er…holy cow, Buddha, or whatever…

Yikes.

Not surprisingly, those bloggers who put their names next to their words took a more measured approach to the news that Krishna was not a candidate for chair.

At his blog “HawkeyeGOP,” Republican State Central Committee member David Chung called the race for RPI chair “silly season,” saying he’ll be glad when it’s all over with.

And the call for Krishna’s ouster as party treasurer is hitting a fever pitch in each of the blogs’ comment sections, with most hoping he will get thrown off the State Central Committee altogether.

All this should make for an interesting meeting on Saturday. Unfortunately, the vote for chair and other leadership positions is not open to the public or the media. The party plans to unveil its new leader shortly after the meeting concludes at 12:30 p.m. in the RPI Headquarters, 621 E 9th St., Des Moines.

David Chung, who operates the blog HawkeyeGOP.com, said Matt Strawn, the principal owner of the Iowa Barnstormers, and Andy Cable, co-chair of the Hardin County GOP, along with six others named last week by the Iowa Independent have approached him to delcare their candidacy.

The party will select a new chairman Jan. 10. A public forum to to meet and discuss issues with candidates will be held Dec. 27.