Recent victories aside, GOP still headed in the wrong direction
Jordan Vannatten
Issue date: 11/10/09 Section: Opinions
Leading Republicans weren't expecting the party to have their epic comeback until the 2010 midterm elections. Following two highly publicized governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia, and the shocking results to reject same-sex marriage in Maine, it's safe to say the GOP is mobilized and back in action. This is likely a result of the Republicans' ability to develop a clear message and agenda, something President Obama and the Democrats are struggling to do themselves. However, the Republican Party has already laid the groundwork for their demise, even though their time in the majority has yet to return.
Mainstream conservative voices such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity have argued that the Republican Party should abandon its moderate base and become more conservative. Even though Republicans are potentially looking at a great year in 2010, and possibly 2012, a civil war within the party is emerging. RNC Chairman Michael Steele threatened to go after moderate Republicans who aren't sufficiently conservative. This could have many implications, but what is certain is that some Republican leaders aren't interested in making the "big tent" any bigger.
Moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race for an important New York seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the NY-23 special election. Scozzafava received criticism for her socially liberal beliefs, such as supporting gay marriage and being pro-choice. They discounted the fact that she's fiscally conservative, and tends to side with the Republicans, such as with extending the Bush tax cuts. The phrase "conservative principles" has been thrown around and abused considerably over the last year. Republicans argue for smaller government, a strong national defense, and fiscal responsibility, yet variation on social issues is enough to condemn someone, even if they're loyal to the party.
Far-right conservatives are becoming exactly what they complain about in liberal Democrats. They're paranoid that moderate Republicans, and even Libertarians, are going to derail the Republican Party. This is similar to how liberals are breathing down the necks of their moderate counterparts to get a public option passed. Perhaps these far-right extremists should realize how they've derailed the country before they continue the witch hunt to eliminate the Olympia Snowes of the party. It was a far-right Congress filled with conservatives who wrote discrimination into law with the Defense of Marriage Act. Conservatives claim that legalizing gay marriage is a step toward socialism. It was our representative from Winston-Salem, Virginia Foxx, who said that health care reform is more of a threat to our national security than terrorists. If conservatives want liberals such as Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida to clean up their rhetoric, they should actually practice what they preach. Are these really people Republican leaders think will not only help win in 2010 and 2012, but will secure a long-time majority over the Democrats?
Mainstream conservative voices such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity have argued that the Republican Party should abandon its moderate base and become more conservative. Even though Republicans are potentially looking at a great year in 2010, and possibly 2012, a civil war within the party is emerging. RNC Chairman Michael Steele threatened to go after moderate Republicans who aren't sufficiently conservative. This could have many implications, but what is certain is that some Republican leaders aren't interested in making the "big tent" any bigger.
Moderate Republican Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race for an important New York seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for the NY-23 special election. Scozzafava received criticism for her socially liberal beliefs, such as supporting gay marriage and being pro-choice. They discounted the fact that she's fiscally conservative, and tends to side with the Republicans, such as with extending the Bush tax cuts. The phrase "conservative principles" has been thrown around and abused considerably over the last year. Republicans argue for smaller government, a strong national defense, and fiscal responsibility, yet variation on social issues is enough to condemn someone, even if they're loyal to the party.
Far-right conservatives are becoming exactly what they complain about in liberal Democrats. They're paranoid that moderate Republicans, and even Libertarians, are going to derail the Republican Party. This is similar to how liberals are breathing down the necks of their moderate counterparts to get a public option passed. Perhaps these far-right extremists should realize how they've derailed the country before they continue the witch hunt to eliminate the Olympia Snowes of the party. It was a far-right Congress filled with conservatives who wrote discrimination into law with the Defense of Marriage Act. Conservatives claim that legalizing gay marriage is a step toward socialism. It was our representative from Winston-Salem, Virginia Foxx, who said that health care reform is more of a threat to our national security than terrorists. If conservatives want liberals such as Rep. Alan Grayson of Florida to clean up their rhetoric, they should actually practice what they preach. Are these really people Republican leaders think will not only help win in 2010 and 2012, but will secure a long-time majority over the Democrats?
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