To institute fiscal sanity in the nation’s capitol, the first order of business in 2010 must be to secure the House in overwhelming fashion. With that in mind, it is time for me to call your attention to Louisville, KY and the removal of Congressman John Yarmuth. Kentucky’s 3rd District has all the necessary ingredients to be a very consequential pick-up for Republicans in 2010.
Brief history: While a reputed pro-life, blue-dog Democrat Ron Mazolli dominated this district for 24 years, more recently, Republican Anne Northup served the district for 10 years until narrowly losing in the 2006 election to Yarmuth. The general shift in electoral sentiment at that time swept her out with so many others. Obama-mania made Yarmuth’s re-election bid in 2008 (against Northup once again) an easy contest. However, Mazolli’s conservative claims and Northup’s prior successes demonstrate that KY-3 has conservative tendencies and is a great pick-up opportunity in this electoral environment.
2010: What a difference a year (2009) makes. The hard-left agenda of Obama, Reid and Pelosi has exposed the full extent of Yarmuth’s own radical ideology. Unlike some of his Democrat colleagues who have tried to hide the level of their liberalism, Yarmuth has wholly embraced every leftist cause and thereby sought to rise quickly toward House leadership. He views himself as a rising star – and many in DC may agree. But he has “left” Louisville behind. Given his consistently extreme-liberal positions, he has nowhere “left” to go. Simply put, repealing and replacing John Yarmuth in 2010 is very significant to the course of our future as it will be eliminating an aspiring future head of the leftist movement.
The great news: Todd Lally, the Republican nominee in 2010, is an excellent challenger for this race. Todd, a life-long Louisvillian with an extensive and impressive military background, is the high quality, next generation Republican we need to successfully contrast with Yarmuth. With Todd, this race is not simply an attempt to oust a bad actor with just anyone. Lally’s positions of 1) government restraint to enable a return of private sector growth, 2) a strong national defense and border security, and 3) a respect for life and related issues present a well-rounded candidate worthy of RedState support. From the healthcare takeover to reckless spending to impending tax increases to illegal immigration to cap-n-trade to card check, the contrast will be very clear.
In the May primary, Todd demonstrated impressive attractiveness as a candidate by garnering over 50% of the primary vote in a 4 candidate race. [One thing I particularly liked about this result… This decisive win occurred even though the NRCC and the Liberal Courier-Journal (as I like to call it) had tapped another Republican candidate in the race as their preferred choice.] All primary candidates (to their credit) have united to strongly support Lally in the general. Recent polls show Todd well within striking distance even as the Liberal Courier-Journal tries to ignore his candidacy to hamper his growth in name recognition and popularity.
33 for the 3rd: Continuing to raise Todd’s name ID and remind voters of Yarmuth’s actual record will remove this political wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing from Washington. Todd needs to amass the sufficient base of funds to ensure his message can penetrate in the district. Good news: In the most recent quarter, Todd Lally out-raised Congressman Yarmuth. Locally, the momentum and interest is on his side. However, now is the time for RedStaters to step up and support him in this significant campaign. At this time, join me in donating “33 for the 3rd.” (Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?)
Parting thought: In 2006, one of the early races that indicated it would be a long and bad night for Republicans was KY-3 – Yarmuth beating Northup. In 2010, let’s welcome back fiscal sanity with an early call for Todd Lally – leading to a great night for the country.
33 for the 3rd.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Advice for a Teenage Boy
Recently, I (along with other Christian men) was asked to write some words of wisdom to a teenage boy as a birthday gift...
I have been considering various ways to write words of wisdom for you to consider in the coming years of transition from boy to man. I decided it is best to let the Word speak.
Be diligent:
Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Be content:
I Timothy 6:6-10: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Seek to serve:
Matthew 20:25-28: But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Galatians 6:10: Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
2 Timothy 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Be humble:
Luke 17:7-10: “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the filed, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So, likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
I Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Choose your wife and friends wisely:
2 Corinthians 6:14-15: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
Love:
I Corinthians 13:1-7: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Grow in these ways and no matter when your life is done, you will be able to say:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
All quotes from NKJV
I have been considering various ways to write words of wisdom for you to consider in the coming years of transition from boy to man. I decided it is best to let the Word speak.
Be diligent:
Proverbs 4:23: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.
2 Timothy 2:15: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Be content:
I Timothy 6:6-10: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Seek to serve:
Matthew 20:25-28: But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Galatians 6:10: Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
2 Timothy 6:17-19: Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, not to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Be humble:
Luke 17:7-10: “And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the filed, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? But will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So, likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’”
I Corinthians 10:12: Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Choose your wife and friends wisely:
2 Corinthians 6:14-15: Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?
Love:
I Corinthians 13:1-7: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Grow in these ways and no matter when your life is done, you will be able to say:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,…” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
All quotes from NKJV
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Why Marlin matters in Indiana and beyond
The Indiana Republican primary contest presents a wide range of personalities for consideration. In order of initial name ID, the candidates are: Dan Coats, John Hostettler, Marlin Stutzman, Richard Behney and Don Bates, Jr.
Erick Erickson has whole-heartedly endorsed Marlin Stutzman. I must agree.
But why is choosing Stutzman so important at this time? Simply put, consider how unusual 2010’s political climate is. The highest initial name ID is not essential to success in November. We cannot afford to squander the great opportunity we have to advance the next generation of principled, conservative leadership.
But why not Dan Coats? Dan Coats is last century’s Senator. The Republican Establishment mentality thinks supporting Coats is a way of playing it safe in this race. This reveals the perpetual lack of vision that plagues those who are much more Republican than they are conservative. To my fellow conservatives who remain tempted to “play it safe,” please consider: If you can’t support the best choice for conservatism’s long-run future in 2010, when would you ever? You will never have the courage to question the Establishment mentality that has brought the party to its current low. Choosing Dan Coats gives us a very short term fix and aborts the long-term potential of the next generation: Marlin Stutzman.
But why not John Hostettler? To those favoring Hostettler, I would ask you to support Marlin in 2010 for a number of reasons. First, such a split will likely give us Coats. Second, the potential of a Hostettler-Ellsworth matchup is not the best narrative for this fall. Last, please consider: We need Hostettler to challenge and defeat Lugar in 2012. Hostettler is the one candidate with enough spine and legislative background to contrast against Lugar’s record effectively in such a challenge. Marlin is better suited to take down Ellsworth. Hostettler is better suited to retire Lugar. Let’s work together wisely to get the two best possible Senators in 2010 and 2012.
But why not Behney or Bates? There is a time when one should recognize that a candidate has not gotten the traction needed to truly be competitive. I appreciate both candidates’ willingness to step forward with the desire to serve the state and the country, but now is not the time for them in this capacity. Continued support of Behney and Bates simply splits the vote to make it easier for Coats to prevail. Please move toward Stutzman who better understands and appreciates the values and principles that drive you. [Coats better understands and appreciates Washington’s values and principles.]
No, Marlin Stutzman is not the most dynamic personality in politics. He is simply solid and principled with an unassuming manner. He knows who he is and where he came from. If given the opportunity this fall, Hoosiers will agree with his positions and warm to his demeanor to proudly elect him to be the next Senator from Indiana.
This is a teachable moment for the grassroots to correct the Republican Establishment. Let’s help them learn not to short-change our conservative future with a falsely-assumed safe choice.
Go Marlin!
Erick Erickson has whole-heartedly endorsed Marlin Stutzman. I must agree.
But why is choosing Stutzman so important at this time? Simply put, consider how unusual 2010’s political climate is. The highest initial name ID is not essential to success in November. We cannot afford to squander the great opportunity we have to advance the next generation of principled, conservative leadership.
But why not Dan Coats? Dan Coats is last century’s Senator. The Republican Establishment mentality thinks supporting Coats is a way of playing it safe in this race. This reveals the perpetual lack of vision that plagues those who are much more Republican than they are conservative. To my fellow conservatives who remain tempted to “play it safe,” please consider: If you can’t support the best choice for conservatism’s long-run future in 2010, when would you ever? You will never have the courage to question the Establishment mentality that has brought the party to its current low. Choosing Dan Coats gives us a very short term fix and aborts the long-term potential of the next generation: Marlin Stutzman.
But why not John Hostettler? To those favoring Hostettler, I would ask you to support Marlin in 2010 for a number of reasons. First, such a split will likely give us Coats. Second, the potential of a Hostettler-Ellsworth matchup is not the best narrative for this fall. Last, please consider: We need Hostettler to challenge and defeat Lugar in 2012. Hostettler is the one candidate with enough spine and legislative background to contrast against Lugar’s record effectively in such a challenge. Marlin is better suited to take down Ellsworth. Hostettler is better suited to retire Lugar. Let’s work together wisely to get the two best possible Senators in 2010 and 2012.
But why not Behney or Bates? There is a time when one should recognize that a candidate has not gotten the traction needed to truly be competitive. I appreciate both candidates’ willingness to step forward with the desire to serve the state and the country, but now is not the time for them in this capacity. Continued support of Behney and Bates simply splits the vote to make it easier for Coats to prevail. Please move toward Stutzman who better understands and appreciates the values and principles that drive you. [Coats better understands and appreciates Washington’s values and principles.]
No, Marlin Stutzman is not the most dynamic personality in politics. He is simply solid and principled with an unassuming manner. He knows who he is and where he came from. If given the opportunity this fall, Hoosiers will agree with his positions and warm to his demeanor to proudly elect him to be the next Senator from Indiana.
This is a teachable moment for the grassroots to correct the Republican Establishment. Let’s help them learn not to short-change our conservative future with a falsely-assumed safe choice.
Go Marlin!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Final Message on Healthcare Reform
Dear Democrat Congressman:
You cannot hide by voting on Sunday and you cannot fool the American people about the vote. We fully recognize the game being played - trying to find a way to pass this takeover by one vote. Judging your fitness for office will not be based on whether or not you voted for the bill, it will be based on whether or not this bill passes. If it passes, you are responsible for enabling and ensuring its passage. Such a demonstration of Democrat Party arrogance and ugliness will make 1994 trivial by comparison. Vote no - and convince your colleagues to vote no or ALL of you will be held to account in November.
You cannot hide by voting on Sunday and you cannot fool the American people about the vote. We fully recognize the game being played - trying to find a way to pass this takeover by one vote. Judging your fitness for office will not be based on whether or not you voted for the bill, it will be based on whether or not this bill passes. If it passes, you are responsible for enabling and ensuring its passage. Such a demonstration of Democrat Party arrogance and ugliness will make 1994 trivial by comparison. Vote no - and convince your colleagues to vote no or ALL of you will be held to account in November.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Conservatives, let’s be careful what we wish for…
At this point in time, November 2010 is looking very strong for Republican gains in both the House and the Senate. Takeover of the House is likely. Amazingly, takeover of the Senate now appears at least remotely possible. However, as conservatives, not every Republican gain would be a gain for the conservative cause. Rather, a 2010 Republican takeover of the Senate could destroy the emergence of conservative governance we so desperately need to occur in 2012. We need patience, wisdom and possibly even restraint.
Simply stated, Mitch McConnell (or any other R leader) would be effective on most issues as the minority leader of 48 Senators (filibuster opportunities against poor D leadership), but horrible as the majority leader of 51 because that majority includes Collins, Snowe, Graham, McCain, Lugar, and the like). Given the likelihood of a Lieberman (or other) defection, either 50 or 51 elected Republicans would absolutely be the worst possible outcome for 2011-2012.
Let’s be careful what we wish for and work toward. Each 2010 race needs to be purposefully developed as either a conservative Republican gain or no Republican gain. In the euphoria of all of the possible gains in 2010, some gains would do great harm. The Supreme Court, our national security and our future economic condition remind us that we need a 1980 in 2012 much more than we need a 1994 in 2010.
Best case scenario: +32 in House and +7or8 in Senate (Obama and the thoroughly weakened, smallest of Dem majorities are primed for 2012 removal.)
Workable scenario: At least 50 House seats (significant House takeover) and +7or8 in Senate (the frustrations with the Senate may still be laid at the feet of the Democrats and Obama)
Likely long-run conservative failure due to short-run Republican gains: +40 or more (House takeover) and +9or10 (Senate takeover)
—–
Currently: 41 Republicans
Hold these R incumbent seats (but replace a couple R incumbents with conservatives in the primaries?): AL, AK, AZ, GA, ID, IA, LA, NC, OK, SC, SD, UT (best replacement opportunity here!)
Hold these open R seats - choosing the closest thing to the Rubio in each: FL, KS, KY, MO, NH, OH
New Republican seats that could come, in order of likelihood (choose :
42) ND (who is the Rubio here?)
43) DE (looks like this pickup is a given)
44) IN (Go Marlin Stutzman!)
45) AR (who is the Rubio here?)
46) PA (Toomey takes down Specter)
47) NV (who is the Rubio here?)
48) CO (who is the Rubio here?)
——
49) CA (Chuck Devore is worthy of support for #49. Otherwise, no.)
—–
50) IL - Is a 51 seat majority with Mark Kirk and Joe Lieberman in the mix really a benefit to the conservative cause? That’s a movement killer.
But what happens if we were to develop a way to run the table by replacing CT, NY, MD, WA and WI as well? Who knows? I doubt that will develop, but I did not anticipate saying bye to Bayh… Stay tuned…
Simply stated, Mitch McConnell (or any other R leader) would be effective on most issues as the minority leader of 48 Senators (filibuster opportunities against poor D leadership), but horrible as the majority leader of 51 because that majority includes Collins, Snowe, Graham, McCain, Lugar, and the like). Given the likelihood of a Lieberman (or other) defection, either 50 or 51 elected Republicans would absolutely be the worst possible outcome for 2011-2012.
Let’s be careful what we wish for and work toward. Each 2010 race needs to be purposefully developed as either a conservative Republican gain or no Republican gain. In the euphoria of all of the possible gains in 2010, some gains would do great harm. The Supreme Court, our national security and our future economic condition remind us that we need a 1980 in 2012 much more than we need a 1994 in 2010.
Best case scenario: +32 in House and +7or8 in Senate (Obama and the thoroughly weakened, smallest of Dem majorities are primed for 2012 removal.)
Workable scenario: At least 50 House seats (significant House takeover) and +7or8 in Senate (the frustrations with the Senate may still be laid at the feet of the Democrats and Obama)
Likely long-run conservative failure due to short-run Republican gains: +40 or more (House takeover) and +9or10 (Senate takeover)
—–
Currently: 41 Republicans
Hold these R incumbent seats (but replace a couple R incumbents with conservatives in the primaries?): AL, AK, AZ, GA, ID, IA, LA, NC, OK, SC, SD, UT (best replacement opportunity here!)
Hold these open R seats - choosing the closest thing to the Rubio in each: FL, KS, KY, MO, NH, OH
New Republican seats that could come, in order of likelihood (choose :
42) ND (who is the Rubio here?)
43) DE (looks like this pickup is a given)
44) IN (Go Marlin Stutzman!)
45) AR (who is the Rubio here?)
46) PA (Toomey takes down Specter)
47) NV (who is the Rubio here?)
48) CO (who is the Rubio here?)
——
49) CA (Chuck Devore is worthy of support for #49. Otherwise, no.)
—–
50) IL - Is a 51 seat majority with Mark Kirk and Joe Lieberman in the mix really a benefit to the conservative cause? That’s a movement killer.
But what happens if we were to develop a way to run the table by replacing CT, NY, MD, WA and WI as well? Who knows? I doubt that will develop, but I did not anticipate saying bye to Bayh… Stay tuned…
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Young. Republican.
Looking to get more involved in local Republican Party activities, I recently have attended the local Young Republicans meetings. Even though I no longer quite qualify for the "young" designation, it is enjoyable to see the energy and efforts of this rising generation.
One question that has been raised is how to effectively message and market to the generation that was strongly attracted to Obama in 2008. I submitted the following suggestions, which I would like to share here as well for any and all who would find use of the concepts:
1) Bumper Sticker and/or t-shirt: "Fool Me Once..." (with the Obama symbol as the O in Once)
2) t-shirt and/or handout:
Young. Republican.
Because I want to live...
(National Security, Healthcare)
Because I want a job...
(Private Economic Growth)
Because I want options...
(Less Regulation, Lower Taxes)
Because I want a future...
(Fiscal Responsibility)
Young. Republican.
One question that has been raised is how to effectively message and market to the generation that was strongly attracted to Obama in 2008. I submitted the following suggestions, which I would like to share here as well for any and all who would find use of the concepts:
1) Bumper Sticker and/or t-shirt: "Fool Me Once..." (with the Obama symbol as the O in Once)
2) t-shirt and/or handout:
Young. Republican.
Because I want to live...
(National Security, Healthcare)
Because I want a job...
(Private Economic Growth)
Because I want options...
(Less Regulation, Lower Taxes)
Because I want a future...
(Fiscal Responsibility)
Young. Republican.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Ultimate Herding Cats Contest
I have great understanding of and respect for the frustration Erick (at Redstate) expresses concerning our Senate Republican leadership. Many times it seems as if they don’t know what they are doing and they are missing – or even fighting against - golden opportunities. (Certainly they are demonstrating such error in judgment by supporting the, shall we say, less-than-conservative candidate in some key Republican Senate primaries.)
But then I consider: What would I really and truly be thinking and doing if I were in Mitch McConnell’s shoes during this healthcare fiasco? Could it be that in reality he IS doing the best that can be done in this circumstance? Well,… maybe.
Senators McConnell and Reid are engaged in the ultimate herding cats contest. I do not envy Mitch in the least. Can you imagine having to try to hold together a united block of 40 Republicans (including the likes of Snowe, Collins, Voinovich and Bennett – not to mention the usual suspects on some other issues – Graham, Lugar and McCain) and also attract at least 1 non-Republican to side with this motley crew? While I would love to see the Republican leadership stand firmly on effectively articulated, conservative principles, the simple fact is that Snowe and Collins will not allow any firm foundation upon which to take such a stand in this debate.
So, how do you solve a problem like Olympia? Maybe we have to take the path Mitch is currently forging.
Two key takeaways:
1) The cloture rules that frustrate us when in the majority are also the basis of our last stand against the incredibly harmful legislation we currently face (cap & trade, healthcare takeover). What once was a curse is now our blessing. Reid’s struggles to corral 60 cats reveals the difficulties McConnell had - even back when leading a 55 seat majority.
2) We need 41 reliably conservative cats ASAP. For 2010, 51 Republicans is not nearly as important as is 41 genuine conservatives. It is crucial to pick the right primary battles to focus our energy toward selecting solid conservatives. Rubio’s defeat of Crist in Florida and seeking to replacing Bennett in Utah are the types of activities that will strengthen the Minority Leader’s hand to thwart Obama, Reid and Pelosi.
But then I consider: What would I really and truly be thinking and doing if I were in Mitch McConnell’s shoes during this healthcare fiasco? Could it be that in reality he IS doing the best that can be done in this circumstance? Well,… maybe.
Senators McConnell and Reid are engaged in the ultimate herding cats contest. I do not envy Mitch in the least. Can you imagine having to try to hold together a united block of 40 Republicans (including the likes of Snowe, Collins, Voinovich and Bennett – not to mention the usual suspects on some other issues – Graham, Lugar and McCain) and also attract at least 1 non-Republican to side with this motley crew? While I would love to see the Republican leadership stand firmly on effectively articulated, conservative principles, the simple fact is that Snowe and Collins will not allow any firm foundation upon which to take such a stand in this debate.
So, how do you solve a problem like Olympia? Maybe we have to take the path Mitch is currently forging.
Two key takeaways:
1) The cloture rules that frustrate us when in the majority are also the basis of our last stand against the incredibly harmful legislation we currently face (cap & trade, healthcare takeover). What once was a curse is now our blessing. Reid’s struggles to corral 60 cats reveals the difficulties McConnell had - even back when leading a 55 seat majority.
2) We need 41 reliably conservative cats ASAP. For 2010, 51 Republicans is not nearly as important as is 41 genuine conservatives. It is crucial to pick the right primary battles to focus our energy toward selecting solid conservatives. Rubio’s defeat of Crist in Florida and seeking to replacing Bennett in Utah are the types of activities that will strengthen the Minority Leader’s hand to thwart Obama, Reid and Pelosi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)