disgruntled taxpayer iii
11-11-2005, 11:11 PM
In the end, I see the Republicans making a comeback sometime after 2006, which should be a very strong Democratic year. Two things are needed for the GOP to make a comeback: a) a clearly defined mission and an emphasis upon strong (preferably conservative) positions on the issues, b) strong and demonstrable governmental competency, and c) aggressive promotion of its goals and a take no prisoners attitude towards winning.
Sadly, 2006 looks like a wash already, unless someone really strong like Rick Lazio can jump into one of the statewide races. Jeanine Pirro for Senate does not appear to be the answer, and is the best example of the GOP failing to combat the ultra-liberal head on. Any regrouping of the GOP should take place in the post-Pataki era, as Pataki's appeasement of liberal interests to secure non-competitive gubernatorial races is part of the current problem with respect to loss of message and focus.
The Republicans need significant cultural change, and they have to stop trying to imitate the Democrats on policy. Bill Clinton on welfare reform, Steve Levy on illegal immigration, and Tom Suozzi on school tax are examples of Democrats adopting populist conservative issues. The GOP cannot be afraid to be conservative.
Although a tad too liberal for my tastes, Mayor Bloomberg demonstrates the strong appeal of a competent and superior public sector manager. Demonstrated superior governmental services is also strong platform to run on, particuarly if you have the bucks to finance a campaign.
The Republicans will continue to be trumped if they do not move to the right, in both word and deed, or if they cannot deliver superior governmental services. In the end, the Republicans must demonstrate that they can do the job better, including sound fiscal policy, as well as hold the rhetorical line on taxes. No matter how offensive and incompetent some Democratic elected and appointed officials are, the GOP has to demonstrate to the voters that electing a Republican is not a time warp back to 1999.
Sadly, 2006 looks like a wash already, unless someone really strong like Rick Lazio can jump into one of the statewide races. Jeanine Pirro for Senate does not appear to be the answer, and is the best example of the GOP failing to combat the ultra-liberal head on. Any regrouping of the GOP should take place in the post-Pataki era, as Pataki's appeasement of liberal interests to secure non-competitive gubernatorial races is part of the current problem with respect to loss of message and focus.
The Republicans need significant cultural change, and they have to stop trying to imitate the Democrats on policy. Bill Clinton on welfare reform, Steve Levy on illegal immigration, and Tom Suozzi on school tax are examples of Democrats adopting populist conservative issues. The GOP cannot be afraid to be conservative.
Although a tad too liberal for my tastes, Mayor Bloomberg demonstrates the strong appeal of a competent and superior public sector manager. Demonstrated superior governmental services is also strong platform to run on, particuarly if you have the bucks to finance a campaign.
The Republicans will continue to be trumped if they do not move to the right, in both word and deed, or if they cannot deliver superior governmental services. In the end, the Republicans must demonstrate that they can do the job better, including sound fiscal policy, as well as hold the rhetorical line on taxes. No matter how offensive and incompetent some Democratic elected and appointed officials are, the GOP has to demonstrate to the voters that electing a Republican is not a time warp back to 1999.