When I wrote my two briefs about the King County Republican Party officer selection process I worried that the debate would devolve into a series of petty accusations. Fortunately, as evidenced by the remarks in those comment threads, my concerns were unfounded since the losers were magnanimous in defeat and the winners gracious in victory.
OK. There could have been a little more magnanimity displayed.
Longtime Sound Politics readers will be aware that there has been an ongoing debate here about the future direction the GOP. Much of this can just be summed up to personal feuds between individuals goring each other's oxen.
There's more to it than that though. After 12 years in the majority the individual components of the "Big Tent" party are probably a little tired of sitting around the same table kicking each other's shins. There's two different approaches I've seen. Try to figure out a common strategy in which everyone can agree. Or kick out as many disparate elements are necessary until consensus is reached.
Think it's bad now, just wait until the Presidential primary.
In a way these disagreements can be healthy assuming they don't drag on, devolve into a decade of pouting and histrionics and are all patched up for November elections. I
With that said, I've learned whenever you have a break-up or an argument with someone you love there has to be a time for forgiveness. Some folks prefer counseling, prayer or self-medication. Me, I've always thought the best way to make it up to a person is through music.
So these songs go out to all the voters of Washington state and especially to you Mainstream Republicans, fiscal conservatives, "Scoop" Jackson Democrats, log cabin dwellers, Reagan Wingers, small "L" libertarians and members of the religious right who stayed home, voted Democratic or who just feel neglected, sad and alone.
We can change. Honest. And we'll make it right again.
War "Why Can't We Be Friends?"
Queen "You're My Best Friend"
Elton John "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word"
Bee Gees "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"
Sonny Bono "Laugh At Me"
Bread "Baby I'm A Want You"
Chicago "You're the Inspiration"
Christopher Cross "Best that you can do"
Most of these tracts can be found at Rhino Records...
With the death of the 1994 Republican Revolution it looks like the GOP is in need of a few new revolutionary ideas or at least to resurrect a few old ones. One thing I'll contribute is that what every revolution needs is a good anthem.
My humble suggestions are below. Of course I'm ears for better suggestions.
Twisted Sister "We're Not Gonna Take It"
Ironic value aside, the actual lyrics pretty much sum up the attitude I have about the past two decades of condescending, galling, confiscating, and never-ending Democratic rule in this state. "We're Right. We're Free. We'll Fight. You'll see!"
Jonathan Edwards "Sunshine"
Using this song is like capturing the enemy's artillery and turning it on them.
Metallica "Don't Tread On Me"
Off of the self-titled "Black Album" from 1991. Liberals have tried to portray U.S. service personnel as helpless victims or ignorant pawns. This video paints a more accurate depiction of the kick-ass, take-names nature of every soldier whom I've met and their attitude about Iraq.
Hank Williams Jr. "A Country Boy Can Survive"
It's Hank. 'Nuff said.
Beastie Boys "Fight For Your Right To Party"
I only include this since the first 27 seconds of the song remind me of the ruling political establishment in this state or our Drinking Liberally friends just before I enter the door. They're nice people, just kind of square in a politically Poindexter kind of way...
Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow)"
This was my second favorite Fleetwood Mac song. So it really bugged the hell out of me when Bill Clinton co-opted it for his 1992 presidential run. If you need an anthem to sing, or a reason to back the GOP again, take a stroll down memory lane with this rendition during his inauguration.
Oh, and if you REALLY need a reminder about why petty intra-party strife will need to be eventually set aside - or if you just want to be grossed out - strap your eyes and ears around Michael Jackson's "Heal The World" and imagine a replay in 2008.
Look, the only way to do anything in this state is to concentrate on areas where we can win. Forget King County. You're never (at least not for the next generation) going to see a GOP mayor in Seattle, a GOP Exec, or Congressional Reps from there if things with the statewide GOP don't change, and prono.
The reason is that the state GOP doesn't have anything positive to hang its hat on. What landmark legislation was proposed in Olympia last year? The year before that? Who's the face of the party? Dino? Haven't heard from him since forever.
How do we fix this?
(1) Get a spokesperson that does something other than spar with their dem counterpart (yes Chris Vance, this means you)
(2) Forget King County for the time being. It's a waste of resources that could be used to get somebody in Spokane or in one of the red counties elected. There's zero reason to have anything but Reps. east of the Cascades given the political leanings in this state. None.
Olympia is the worst collection of boobs and scoundrels I've ever seen. Not only are these people hopelessly misguided, but I have to question whether or not some of them have the IQ to put on both shoes in the morning. And we can't get some decent legislation going? Or address at least 1 of the states 600,000 lib-inspired problems?
Until the state GOP gets off its collective ass and starts thinking how to win, they aren't worth the effort.
Posted by: Steve (was Steve_Dog) on December 6, 2006 04:15 PMDon, you are a good hand. Good luck in the party politics.
Posted by: swatter on December 6, 2006 04:39 PM1) A realization that this is a Blue state. Hard core conservatism is not going to appeal to enough of the misguided, and often bizarre left leaning people in this state. Especially the one's that have bought in to so many of the lies and never met a tax they did not like.
2) That said, the GOP needs to pick a few basic issues that appeal to all, and focus like a laser on those issues. Transportation comes to mind. And so does lower B&O tax for small businesses. Appeal to the wallet, the commute, and other basic and sensible areas that actually apply to most voters, even the moonbats.
3) Jettison all hard core loony conservative candidates. Replace them with young folks that have strong conservative values, a great face, great families and lots of other wholesome qualities that say "this person is as wholesome, conservative and as American as apple pie" but without ever coming out and saying that, which would obviously offend the un-American and unpatriotic left leaning voters. A good young charismatic conservative face from off the radar, that can speak eloquently and stay focused on some key issues will get traction. Dino Rossi was in this mold and he did very well. You're not get anywhere with the John Carlson types, or even Mike McGavick.
4) Stop talking about what's not possible. The Dems control almost everything, and especially the very Blue districts. Let them handle the blue issues like abortion, moonbat marching, and whatever stupid stuff appeals to the socialists and progressives that think the Lenin statue is cool. Focus the Repub candidates only on the laser-like core issues and only in suburban and other "still rational" areas where they have a chance. Pierce County comes to mind. Expecting anyone with an R near their name to win, is not going to happen anywhere near Seattle. So just drop it and focus on all of suburbia. We have to make the district map in this state, look like the county map of the whole country. A sea of red surrounding a few blue districts. Suburbia is still ripe for good solid people that can shake hands, make eye contact and focus on a core local issue.
5) Make sure all candidates are heavily vetted with a background that is as pure as the driven snow. Make sure that they can use the moral high ground, but they don't have to be in our faces about it. They just have to be able to speak to solid values with authority, and be able to strike at their opponents hedonistic or otherwise moral weaknesses when needed. This is easy to do with Democrats. They don't have many values or much morality. So finding someone who does have values and the background to prove it is going to make even a strong Democrat look pretty weak by comparison. And again, this is not an outward thing, this is a subtle thing. If I'm a voter and I see a good clean all-American family gal going up against a me-me-me non-family Democrat like Cantwell who has outwardly slept around, I'm going to make a mental note.
6) Just keep up the low cost, high quality marketing that emphasizes the laser focused issues. Say it 10,000 times, "I'm so and so, and I'm going to Olympia to address X" where X is one of the key issues that will appeal to everyone. As soon as the candidate gets pushed into all kids of statements about larger issues that will only feed the moonbats, they become exposed. Best just not to go there and to kill em' with kindness. As long as there's a pure, well researched background, the media and the Dems won't be able to dig up any dirt, so they'll just have to sit there and take it. Nothing frustrates the left and the media more than when they can't use a negative attack.
There's some of these qualities in many of the conservatives that have won in Western WA. It's not necessary to feed the trolls if you are in the right district. And there are even some Blue districts in the larger WA cities that are still pretty conservative in their values that would respond well to a pretty, wholesome face. And youth never hurts. Running the same tired, crusty opposition candidates is never going to get the Repubs anywhere.
In short, the only way to win this messed up state back is through superior marketing. Completely revamp the ad campaign and the image in the same way that a good corporate makeover would work. Make sure it is unassailable, and focus on a few simple messages that will appeal. And then stick to it. It might take a while, but one this is for sure, as PJ O'Rourke noted, Democrats are like teenage boys given plenty of alcohol and car-keys. They will self-destruct in their own overreach. And then voters will come back around to sensible values of limited government, individual responsibility, etc.
I did read Jeff B's response that Republicans drop all principles. That was not stated by Jeff! He did say "Let them handle the blue issues like abortion, moonbat marching, and whatever stupid stuff appeals to the socialists and progressives that think the Lenin statue is cool."
Let the left wing try to be effective where they can but emphasize in the regions where we can on the central issues where we can is that the Republicans can do a better job. The issues such as abortion should not be on the front burner but should not be ignored. If the election process is fair those issues won't matter as many, many people will be concerned about other more important issues to them. If a left -wing nut tries to bring issues like that to the fore-front, it is easy enough to politically turn the conversation back to the major issues by acknowledging the candidate's position and then returning to the major campaign issues.
Posted by: sillyguy on December 6, 2006 06:22 PMSorry Steve, don't know where you been! Dino followed Mike McGavick all around the state, speaking up for Mike. Guess you were not following Mike like 50% of the GOP. He is hitting the Lincoln Day Dinner Circut already!
As to positive legislation, there were several great pieces proposed and didn't get out of committee, thanks to the D's.
The media hammering day and night about this "illegal" war accomplished in less than a year what the Democrats could not do in six--loose the voters hearts and minds for Republicans; even though the economy is best it has been in a long time, unemployment is down, interest rates reasonably low, we haven't been attacked, etc. No we did not loose it because of our candidates, we would have lost if Collin Powell was running against Maria!
Time to get involved in the grassroots, rebuild the party and find some of these candidates others have posted descriptions of--if they exist.
I'd spend a little more time on the self-definition part.
HOWEVER, you say: "Jettison all hard core loony conservative candidates." I've seen some wonderful, non-loony people defined by the media and the Dem opponents as loony and even Repubs fall for it. Remember Linda Smith? She was great. She got trashed by her own party.
Grr. You'll never win that way, folks. And, don't look for the good-looking, young perfect candidate - they look plastic and most people see through it. Can you say, "Dan Quayle?" Get real people with real ideas and real passion, then follow Jeff B's TACTICAL suggestions - you should get there.
Of course - I should talk...I'm from Oregon! On the other hand, we have almost all Repubs in our county and that is how they win. Our county is about 50-50 R-D, with a huge independent registration. Our Libertarians normally get 3-5 percent. Our R. candidates win on no new taxes and property rights issues. Support the little guy - small business, farmers, etc.
Posted by: mac on December 6, 2006 08:42 PMMcGavick rolled out Dan Evans to salvage his losing campaign, not Dino. That tells you how much McGavick thought about the winning ways of most of the rest of the GOP leadership, most of whom call Evans a RINO. McGavick found that Dan Evans is the direction of a winning GOP. McGavick also rolled out Evans to save Slade from Mike Lowry - but that was at a time when people still knew who Dan Evans is.
But people didn't like McGavick. They liked Dave Reichert a lot better. That says something about the future of the GOP.
Is anyone lisenting? Heck no. The GOP in the state legislature has just stuck with the same strategy that produced the fewest GOP legislators in state history. Denial. Deep denial.
How many more losses will it take? In 2008 there will be NO GOP legislators from King County if the trend continue - except Pam Roach. The GOP has already written off Kitsap County. By 2008, under current leadership, there won't be any GOP left in Snohomish or Pierce, of Spokane, Vancouver, and maybe even the Tri-Cities.
The message has been clear for a long time: wake up, read the newspapers, get a positive agenda, and get with it. A whole lot of people in this state think the GOP is simply a lap dog for a few whacky preachers and Tim Eyman. They've filled a leadership vacuum faster than GOP leadership - which has generally just followed their "lead."
Dopey. But true. Even McGavick fell for it.
Remember Ronald Reagan and build on that. Get a principled positive agenda. Reagan didn't bash gay people. No preacher told him how to govern. He respected the land far more than the current administration and the GOP in Olympia. He stood for things in a way that was civil - mostly. He played the game to get transportation improved, even though the Congress ran over him on a gas tax - just like he wanted. Talk to foes. Promote stability, not perfection, in foreign affairs. Cure sick people. Give the poor a hand up not a hand out. Get real on immigration in ways that embrace diversity. Ronald Reagan did.
Evolve from that. This divisive George W./Rove brand of republicanism sucks.
Posted by: thor on December 6, 2006 09:48 PMWhat a brilliant analysis! However, you left out: War is peace, freedom is slavery and....Big Brother is watching you!
Posted by: Michelle on December 6, 2006 10:07 PMLastly, I obviously don't disagree with the need for a positive agenda, but reading thor's post one gets the impression he expects Republicans to cave on key Republican values in order to have appeal. In addition, he steroetypes to much: "cure sick people." As if Republicans want sick people to die. Whatever.
Posted by: Eric Earling on December 7, 2006 07:23 AMTackling transportation as a key element of the plank? There is no solution for the traffic problems. I was talking to an old, wizened Dem politico donator about traffic. We both think this traffic mess is overhyped. We both have heard stories of other metropolitan areas where people are used to two hour commutes both ways. We both shake our heads of people who commute to Bellevue and Seattle and live in Easton or E'burg. Someone has to redefine the problem.
A keynote plank regarding the onerous B&O taxes to our businesses as suggested by Jeff B would be a good one.
Posted by: swatter on December 7, 2006 07:28 AMMy son-in-Law worked for Safco when Mike was hired. The company was going bankrupt and everyone would have lost their job. Son-in-law is a died-in-the-wool liberal Democrat and said Mike saved thousands of jobs by laying off the deadwood and he supported him......right up to the vote. Then he told me, because of Bush he could not bring himself to vote for Mike.
The "discussion" that followed was not pretty. I can see how it was brother against brother during the war between the states! I believe this is typical of the younger generation who have been told Bush is taking away their future.
Take a look (about 6 minutes) at the video of Mikes consession speach. At the very end look at who was standing on the left side of the stage. Yep that's Dino.
http://www.mikemcgavick.com/ Click the link at the bottom.
The party is fractured by the success of the democrats, It will find it's way. but it will be defined more by what the democrats do and say in the next few years than the Republicans changing principles.
Posted by: Old Sgt on December 7, 2006 07:50 AMDan Quayle is not a good example of a young charismatic face, nor was he ever. I'm thinking more along the lines of "Elizabeth Hasselbeck" on The View. Now before you go off about that just being a pretty female face, etc. I'm only pointing out that everyone likes a young beautiful look, whether they admit it or not. And to find someone who is a young conservative with that appeal would be refreshing, as Democrats seem to view young adults as their territory as evidenced by the Jon Stewart drones of this past election.
There have to be some good kids coming up through the ranks, or that have just come up through the ranks of college republicans, etc. If the Democrats have Hollywood campaigning 100% on their side, then fight fire with fire and get some good Hollywood style marketing and appeal on the GOP side. But definitely not plastic people. Good wholesome real values types. That's what we need. Think unassailable, level-headed, charismatic, rational people. This will be a great counter to the aging and angry, and frankly ugly Democrat population.
Conservatives need to stay on the moral high ground. We can't let the left try and tell us that racism is good, as long as its being used for noble purposes. And we can't let them tell us that redistribution is good as long as it it noble. And we can't let them degrade the culture and glorify the destructive elements of our culture, and not call them on all of the above.
Posted by: Jeff B. on December 7, 2006 12:55 PMAnd to be very clear, I'm not talking about the left kook painted view of loony conservatives. In their eyes, everyone to the right of Liberman is a "Neocon Wingnut."
I'm talking about real loony conservatives, or hopeless candidacy conservatives that do nothing to advance the electoral hopes of all of the rest of us sane WA residents who actually understand the concepts of limited government, property rights, individual freedom, fiscally continent retirement plans, automobiles are not evil, oil is a freely traded commodity, the WTCs fell because they were hit with fully fueled planes, etc. Whatever you want to call us, there's a movement of rational people out here that would like to see some restoration of reality to WA politics.
Posted by: Jeff B. on December 7, 2006 01:55 PMWe used it once... Why not again?
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.
I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
"As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal";
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally ?let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.
The Battle Hymn of the Republic