I've found that the (r) or the (d) in local political machines is in no way an indicator of political fidelity to either parent party's platform.
It's about power and money... and as a local; you can make a difference. Pound the hell outta them with the truth.. use local news rags, flyers, whatever you can to burn 'em. Be careful.. if there's any bones in the closet, the machine will crush you.
It's not that you can't fight city hall... it's that you need money, commitment and a squeeky clean tax return for 3 generations back on both sides of the family.
Which is why when 'business' want's something done, rather than fighting city hall, they just buy it.
Good luck, RPM. If it's anything like it is here.. out there, yer gonna get screwed.