State Chair's View of the Future of the Party

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.