People have lost whatever like they ever had for the Democratic Party, but are not embracing the Republican Party in droves either. Concerned citizens express frustration that in many areas the same faces occupy the same places and that principle disappeared from party. In 1994 we got a new beginning, but a decade later the emphasis shrank from real change back to simply winning elections in the easiest ways possible.
In 2008, even as the collapse of GOP influence accelerated, the next generation of Republican leaders decided to get away from the old structure and create their own.
The Young Guns movement weds party with principle, youth, and energy. It seeks out qualified people to run for office. It is not blind support, but a calculated effort to get people into Congress that support Republican issues. They concentrate on fiscal issues and have a deep understanding of public policy. This gives them the knowledge and the capabilities to adapt free market philosophy to their particular district. The National Republican Congressional Committee saw the direction of this group and absorbed it into its structure.
Movements of this type reflect 21st century conservatism. Outside of abortion, the old social conservative issues do not translate to this decade's fear over loss of freedom. Younger candidates are steeped in belief in the Constitution and fear for its future. This creates a vigor that if encouraged can revitalize the Republican brand heading into the next election.
Stephen, it's encouraging to see young people becoming fully committed to the Constitution and the freedoms it ensures (if followed), but I am increasingly distressed by the approaches to our District elections being taken by the national party and the RNCC. The RNCC supported Dede Scozzafavva in NY-23 and is already trying to influence the race in WV021 Congress. They have had a moderate bent for some time with their selections to support.
ReplyDeleteI was totally with you on everything said until you hit the part about the RNCC absorbing the Young Guns into its structure. Am I reading this right? If they have been absorbed, will their positions change anything? Will they have a strong voice?
What is the difference between this and the old way of doing things? THe RNCC seems to support only those who have the money to throw into it and those who have strong party connections. is that what the people seek this year?
Isn't it time the conservatives take back the party to one of principles and take it where the people want to go, not where the leadership keeps trying to drag us (into that big tent of the center)?
Within both parties there is always a constant struggle between those that put ideology first and those that simply want to win elections. It's obvious to me that they made a horrible mistake in their backing of Scozzafavva. They misread everything there. All I can say is that there is no one more confident than a principled person who won an election. They are trying to change not only Congress, but the Republican Party. The GOP fails to listen at their own risk.
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