The pathetic state of the Republican Party in Philadelphia is exceeded only by the drive of its leaders to hold on to its dwindling crumbs.

As a result, the GOP in the city is practically extinct.

Democratic registered voters outnumber their Republican counterparts by better than 6-1.

The city GOP hasn't won a citywide election since Ron Castille was reelected district attorney 21 years ago.

In the 2007 mayoral race, Republican candidate what's-his-name won 13 percent of the vote.

Of 3,368 committee positions, less than one-third are filled, crippling the party's ability to deliver a message or inspire voters.

It seems about time, then, for the party faithful to rise up and demand some new leadership.

Instead, city GOP ward bosses were browbeaten this week into voting for a scheme that actually tightens the power of inept de facto party boss Michael Meehan.

His family has been driving the city Republican Party into the ground for decades. In return for not mounting viable candidates on Election Day, the Democratic machine tosses Meehan a few contracts and patronage jobs.

State GOP leaders have finally woken up to the embarrassing state of affairs in Philadelphia. In an effort to rebuild the party, state Republican officials are helping Al Schmidt, last year's city controller candidate, lead recruitment and registration efforts in the city.

A Republican Party in Philadelphia with new blood and fresh ideas is unlikely to reflect the far-right extremes seen in red states. Any successful candidate would have to offer some moderate sensibilities.

There are benefits to a two-party system: a balance of power, new ideas, and much-needed competition to shake up entrenched and inefficient bureaucracies.

City residents of all political stripes would benefit from all of the above. But instead of moving out of the dark ages, the city GOP took another step backward.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20100219_Editorial__Settling_for_...
Posted on Fri, Feb. 19, 2010