State Chair's View of the Future of the Party
Wed, 07/15/2009 - 4:17am | 
minnesota
I had the opportunity to ask Minnesota Party Chair Tony Sutton a few questions about the role of moderates and progressives in the party along with his opinion on how to broaden the party's base.
RLC-MN: Do you feel there is room for moderates & progressives in the Republican Party of Minnesota?
TS: There is room for all who are interested in fiscal conversativism and limited government. However, as you know, an important part of our core voters are people who are also social conservatives as well as fiscal conservatives (frankly, people like me). You win elections by addition, so my goal as State Chair is to maintain the base we have and grow it by appealing to independents and conservative Democrats who share our values.
RLC-MN: What do you think about so called litmus tests for Republican candidates?
TS: I really don't think there is a "litmus" test (or tests), however, candidates are going to be a reflection of the delegates, so if the delegates are conservative it stands to reason that the endorsed candidates will be conservative.
RLC-MN: The GOP is in major need of an image makeover. In what ways can the Party change its public perception?
TS: I think we need to get back to the core of who we are as a Party and I think that is fiscal conservativsm and fiscal responsiblity. Poll after poll shows that on more than any other issue the voters loss in confidence in Republicans on fiscal issues has been the major cause of our defeats the last couple of election cycles. Governor Pawlenty helped us start the process of regaining some of that lost credibility on fiscal issues here in Minnesota.
RLC-MN: How can we move beyond the base and appeal to a broader electorate?
TS: Again, I think it will be on fiscal issues and the economy. We have to communicate to people that our philosphy of limited government (lower taxes, less overall spending) will help create more jobs and make their lives better. The issue set for 2010 will revolve heavily around these issues and I that makes me very optimistic for our prospects in 2010.
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Tony says "my goal as State
Tony says "my goal as State Chair is to maintain the base we have and grow it by appealing to independents and conservative Democrats who share our values."
Tony doesn't mention that appeal to the moderate Republican is necessary. There's a big problem. From the words of the GOP leadership themselves, it appears that the intent is to actually contract and purge anyone in disagreement then to recruit like members outside of the party. Sounds non brilliant.
Since we all largely agree on fiscal conservatism and limited government one can deduce that the social cons want the social moderates to leave the GOP. It is talk like this that has put the line in the sand resulting in an ever shrinking party. I a lifelong Republican by no means consider myself - "the base".
Has anyone wondered, just who are all these new Independents, could they be exRepublicans? There is a segment of the GOP who are not well repected or served by the party to which they've pledged their allegiance. Since they've always had their eye on the all important business of government maybe the GOP should start their crusade of appeal right at home.