Where do we go from Here?
By Randy Samuelson | 11/05/08 | 07:28 PM EDT | 0 Comments
The question I hear from Texas Republicans is "Where do we go now?" We witnessed today some brilliant tactical moves from President-Elect Obama and State Representative Jim Dunnam in turning Texas blue, a fear I expressed after the March Primary. What now?
There are many excuses that can be made, but none that matter now. The Republicans were beaten by a better message and a more charismatic messenger. The Democrats energized their base and, with the perceived lack of leadership by the Republicans, there was little chance of GOP victory at the top or bottom of the ticket.
For years now, Republicans have forgotten to field candidates that support the Republican Party Platform. Our base is angry and our grassroots have decided to allow the GOP to go through a purge cycle. While this is not the most effective strategy, it does ensure that Republicans can start over in many areas.
There are many seats in Texas in which Republicans will be hard-pressed to win in 2010. Governor Rick Perry and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst are in trouble now and both should have substantial primary challengers, if the grassroots of the Republican Party in Texas knows what is best. They will certainly draw strong Democrat support.
When the elected leaders of the Republican Party govern more like their Democrat counterparts on fiscal issues, the grassroots must make a change internally. Howard Dean's candidacy in 2004 spawned Barack Obama in 2008. What will Ron Paul's candidacy in 2008 spawn in 2010 and 2012 in Texas?
Texas voted in favor of McCain and in support of statewide candidates by a 54-46 margin today, but the state is clearly purple instead of red tonight. What the grassroots within the Republican Party decides to do now is anybody's guess, but my suggestion is to begin talking about and promoting the issues that matter most to the average Texan and giving alternative solutions to our common interests and problems. Only by communicating the Republican Party platform and ideals that make our state great can we revolutionize the 2010 election.
Where we go now is back to work, looking to build the next generation of voters in Texas and working towards sharing our values. The Democrats have worked hard to win by inspiring their base; it is now time that Republicans to work harder to promote our values and inspire our own base. We must look towards 2010.
My friend Freedom's Truth on Travis Monitor posted a list of some practical suggestions that Republicans can work on over the next year to build the base. Â
My friend Freedom's Truth on Travis Monitor posted a list of some practical suggestions that Republicans can work on over the next year to build the base. Â
TAGS: 2008 election, Republican strategy
| 
|
0 Comments | Related Topics »Travis County (TX)
RECOMMENDED SITES
Comments
Post new comment