The Republican Party nationwide did not do well November 6th. The New England GOP did especially poorly. Massachusetts and Rhode Island GOP lost more seats from their very dwindled numbers in the statehouse. Frankly, the GOP had a bad night in part because the standard-bearer sad more bad than good, and he pushed himself to the right on issues when he needed to stay in the center, where he was strongest. After running for President of seven years, it was clear that Romney was trying to act in a part that he was not cut out to play. The poor headliner hurt everyone, even bipartisan US senator Scott Brown. The Red Mass website declared: "The Massachusetts GOP is dead." Rhode Island websites are publishing the same doomsday message. One report labeled Rhode Island "the most liberal state in the Union."
Instead of promoting the discouragement, Brian Jacoby of the Boston Globe suggested that a grassroots approach which reaches out to minorities based on principle and purpose can bring a positive edge to a party which has been unfairly maligned as the "Party of the Rich". Rhode Island Republicans also need to tell the National Conference what needs to be done. Every state deserves a well-meaning and well-placed opposition. Democrats in charge all by themselves are causing more problems than they are solving. Limited government, local control, lower taxes, and less spending -- this does not mean "no government"; it means "good government," and there is no good government without checks and balances.
The previous GOP standard bearers have not been all that helpful, have they? George W. Bush may have prolonged the dwindling national resolve of a party which has now settled into its regional status. His compassionate conservatism toward Hispanics was right on, but his commitment to spending money that this country did not have on wars which cannot be won certainly soured people on the GOP. Perhaps the Republican Brand must look to the North East and the North West in order to get better ideas on how to reach out to the entire country.
The national Republican conference must relax the adherence of different branches of the country to the national platform. "Life at conception with no exceptions" is just not acceptable. New England, you deserve a little more freedom to do what you need to do best: "Live and Let Live" Conservatism.
For some good news, just look at Washington State, where Democrats hold six out of the nine Congressional seats, and a Democrat just won the governor's mansion. Even one of the former GOP state leaders endorsed the Democrat for reelection to the US Senate. In the state senate, two Democrats defected to the GOP and created the "Majority Coalition Caucus", with power-sharing on all committees. They want to grow jobs, improve education, and pass a sustainable budget: those are conservative values. Republicans also control thirty statehouses, where with Republican governors, with the GOP holding both legislatures, or GOP supermajorities.
Rhode Island GOP, do not be negative or discouraged. Your views on the issues matter as much as the next guy. Massachusetts State House rep Ryan Fattman of Sutton, Massachusetts is building up a grass-roots following. He won reelection by 70% in this past election. Instead of running against Democrats, focus on the problems which the state needs to fix. Tell people why they should vote for you, as opposed to why they should not vote for the other guy. Democrat General Treasurer Gina Raimondo is leading the fight for pension reform in your state. Work with her, and combine your commitment to limited government federalism along with it. She may be a Democrat, but her reforms are Republican all the way.
This country needs "Leave me alone" and "Live Free or Die" conservatives like you. US Senator Rand Paul has also conceded that the GOP needs libertarian candidates. Decriminalization of drugs, re-enfranchisement of convicted felons, and a commitment to local control and a friendly business culture: Republicans can bring these reforms better than union-backed and special-interest allied Democrats.
Rhode Island, do not give up hope. If you have to stir up some rebellion, establish a different party brand and take the liberal status quo to the cleaners!
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