Tallahassee- Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer and Representative Jennifer Carroll (R-Jacksonville), Chairman of the African American Leadership Council today released the following statement regarding the passing of Dr. David Langston:
“With the passing of Dr. Langston, the Republican family has lost one our own,” said Chairman Greer. “He was a man of great character who devoted his life to bettering his community. He will truly be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and community during this difficult time.”
“I am deeply saddened by the untimely death of one of the most dedicated black Republicans that I have ever known, Dr. David Langston,” stated Representative Carroll. “David was a dear friend. I admired him for his commitment and diligent work supporting President George W. Bush and Former Governor Jeb Bush to further the Republican movement. As an advocate for underprivileged children and a champion of education, Dr. Langston spent his free time giving back to his community, and those efforts will live on with his memory.”
Funeral services for Dr. Langston will take place Sunday, March 15 2009 at 3 pm EST in the Port St. Joe High School gym.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Some Republicans Just Don't Get It
FYI: This memo was just sent to all RNC members.
Memo
To: RNC Members
From: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer
Dear RNC Members:
Over the past few weeks, our newly-elected RNC Chairman Michael Steele has come under assault from a number of fronts. While we can and should expect attacks like this from the Democrats, it is unacceptable when they come from within our own Party. What I find so disturbing is that some Republicans cannot see the absolute necessity of providing unwavering loyalty and support to Chairman Steele as he embarks upon leading the Republican Party into the future.
In less than 45 days, Chairman Steele has led a top-to-bottom review at the Republican National Committee and wiped the slate completely clean, as many members of the RNC and Republicans nationwide called for. As a member of his transition team, I have seen first-hand the thorough evaluation that has occurred at the RNC: not one stone has been left unturned in our efforts to maximize each dollar, find the best staff members, revamp coalitions and communications, and bring a top-notch finance team on board. As anyone with business experience knows, transitioning from one CEO to another and restructuring a major organization takes time and should not be rushed to be successful. Effectively evaluating and implementing best practices from the top to the bottom is a lengthy process, and doing it the wrong way can cause irreparable harm.
Doing it the right way allows for remarkable changes, most recently illustrated by the hiring of Ken McKay as chief of staff . McKay served as Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri’s chief of staff and served as the campaign manager for two successful gubernatorial races in one of the bluest states in the nation. Bringing McKay on board reinforces the considerable political acumen of the new RNC Chairman.
Ultimately, we can and will have differences of opinion on the issues, and that is healthy for a party that seeks to grow and diversify. As Chairman of one of the largest state parties and an RNC member, I welcome this dialogue. However, it is not constructive to launch assaults on the transition process or promote division within our party by openly criticizing our new Chairman.
The RNC as a whole—including Republican Congressional leaders, grassroots activists, and Republicans nationwide—must speak forcefully in support of Chairman Steele and drown out the vocal minority. To do anything less is a disservice to our party.
Be patient and let our Chairman build the administration that is right for him and right for our Party. He will accept no less, and nor should we.
Warmest Regards,
Jim Greer
Memo
To: RNC Members
From: Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer
Dear RNC Members:
Over the past few weeks, our newly-elected RNC Chairman Michael Steele has come under assault from a number of fronts. While we can and should expect attacks like this from the Democrats, it is unacceptable when they come from within our own Party. What I find so disturbing is that some Republicans cannot see the absolute necessity of providing unwavering loyalty and support to Chairman Steele as he embarks upon leading the Republican Party into the future.
In less than 45 days, Chairman Steele has led a top-to-bottom review at the Republican National Committee and wiped the slate completely clean, as many members of the RNC and Republicans nationwide called for. As a member of his transition team, I have seen first-hand the thorough evaluation that has occurred at the RNC: not one stone has been left unturned in our efforts to maximize each dollar, find the best staff members, revamp coalitions and communications, and bring a top-notch finance team on board. As anyone with business experience knows, transitioning from one CEO to another and restructuring a major organization takes time and should not be rushed to be successful. Effectively evaluating and implementing best practices from the top to the bottom is a lengthy process, and doing it the wrong way can cause irreparable harm.
Doing it the right way allows for remarkable changes, most recently illustrated by the hiring of Ken McKay as chief of staff . McKay served as Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri’s chief of staff and served as the campaign manager for two successful gubernatorial races in one of the bluest states in the nation. Bringing McKay on board reinforces the considerable political acumen of the new RNC Chairman.
Ultimately, we can and will have differences of opinion on the issues, and that is healthy for a party that seeks to grow and diversify. As Chairman of one of the largest state parties and an RNC member, I welcome this dialogue. However, it is not constructive to launch assaults on the transition process or promote division within our party by openly criticizing our new Chairman.
The RNC as a whole—including Republican Congressional leaders, grassroots activists, and Republicans nationwide—must speak forcefully in support of Chairman Steele and drown out the vocal minority. To do anything less is a disservice to our party.
Be patient and let our Chairman build the administration that is right for him and right for our Party. He will accept no less, and nor should we.
Warmest Regards,
Jim Greer
Too Many Secrets: Your Right to a Secret Ballot is Under AttackToo Many Secrets: Your Right to a Secret Ballot is Under Attack
Op-ed by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Vice President Joe Biden's recent visit to Miami Beach to meet with union leaders wasn't such a secret. But as the labor bosses wined and dined at the posh Fontainebleau Hotel, with its 10 pools and 40,000 square foot spa, what they weren't letting anyone know is that they were plotting to steal your guaranteed right to a secret ballot. And now they are only one vote away in the U.S. Senate from doing it.
That's right. These labor union bosses are on the verge of passing legislation called the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and denying employees the right to cast their ballot in private in union organizing elections. Rather than holding a monitored workplace election using secret ballots as has been the case for decades, under this proposal the union would automatically be created in businesses with more than ten employees once the union collects "authorization cards" signed by a majority of the employees. No questions. No debate. No secret ballot. You're unionized.
The right to vote in private, free from coercion or intimidation, is one of the pillars of our nation's democracy and it is so fundamental that it transcends partisanship. Even long-time labor supporters such as George McGovern and Rev. Al Sharpton have voiced their opposition to this undemocratic measure. They agree that workers deserve the right to hear all sides of the issues, the right to question relevant people, and the right to decide individually after an open and honest process.
And while efforts to oppose EFCA in Washington continue, I am now taking action as part of a national effort underway in ten other states to Save Our Secret Ballot so that in Florida we can protect and preserve the fundamental right to a secret ballot and democratic workplace elections.
State Senator Garrett Richter and I are sponsoring joint resolutions- HJR 1013/SJR 1908- which, with voter approval, would amend Florida's constitution "to protect and preserve the fundamental right of individuals to vote by a secret ballot" in all elections required by federal, state or local law. Most would assume that voting by a secret ballot is already a constitutionally guaranteed right, but it is not.
Save our Secret Ballot is not an anti-union proposal. It is a pro-worker protection proposal. Intimidation and harassment is wrong whether it is coming from a union boss or a management boss. With a secret ballot, Florida's workers are the boss.
It’s no secret that our state and our nation are currently facing unprecedented economic challenges. Protecting worker's rights is essential if we want to create and protect jobs and get our economy moving again.
Recently, the Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives elected their party leader using a secret ballot process. If choosing their workplace leader by secret ballot is good enough for Democratic politicians in Tallahassee, then guaranteeing the right to secret ballot elections should be the right thing to do for the workers of our state.
Electing those who represent us at work is just as important as electing those who represent us in government. Voters cast their votes free from fear of retribution from their government, and they deserve the same right to be free of fear of retaliation from their union, their employer and their fellow employees.
Because if we don't stand up to protect the right to a secret ballot today, what rights will we be fighting to hold onto tomorrow?
Vice President Joe Biden's recent visit to Miami Beach to meet with union leaders wasn't such a secret. But as the labor bosses wined and dined at the posh Fontainebleau Hotel, with its 10 pools and 40,000 square foot spa, what they weren't letting anyone know is that they were plotting to steal your guaranteed right to a secret ballot. And now they are only one vote away in the U.S. Senate from doing it.
That's right. These labor union bosses are on the verge of passing legislation called the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and denying employees the right to cast their ballot in private in union organizing elections. Rather than holding a monitored workplace election using secret ballots as has been the case for decades, under this proposal the union would automatically be created in businesses with more than ten employees once the union collects "authorization cards" signed by a majority of the employees. No questions. No debate. No secret ballot. You're unionized.
The right to vote in private, free from coercion or intimidation, is one of the pillars of our nation's democracy and it is so fundamental that it transcends partisanship. Even long-time labor supporters such as George McGovern and Rev. Al Sharpton have voiced their opposition to this undemocratic measure. They agree that workers deserve the right to hear all sides of the issues, the right to question relevant people, and the right to decide individually after an open and honest process.
And while efforts to oppose EFCA in Washington continue, I am now taking action as part of a national effort underway in ten other states to Save Our Secret Ballot so that in Florida we can protect and preserve the fundamental right to a secret ballot and democratic workplace elections.
State Senator Garrett Richter and I are sponsoring joint resolutions- HJR 1013/SJR 1908- which, with voter approval, would amend Florida's constitution "to protect and preserve the fundamental right of individuals to vote by a secret ballot" in all elections required by federal, state or local law. Most would assume that voting by a secret ballot is already a constitutionally guaranteed right, but it is not.
Save our Secret Ballot is not an anti-union proposal. It is a pro-worker protection proposal. Intimidation and harassment is wrong whether it is coming from a union boss or a management boss. With a secret ballot, Florida's workers are the boss.
It’s no secret that our state and our nation are currently facing unprecedented economic challenges. Protecting worker's rights is essential if we want to create and protect jobs and get our economy moving again.
Recently, the Democrats in the Florida House of Representatives elected their party leader using a secret ballot process. If choosing their workplace leader by secret ballot is good enough for Democratic politicians in Tallahassee, then guaranteeing the right to secret ballot elections should be the right thing to do for the workers of our state.
Electing those who represent us at work is just as important as electing those who represent us in government. Voters cast their votes free from fear of retribution from their government, and they deserve the same right to be free of fear of retaliation from their union, their employer and their fellow employees.
Because if we don't stand up to protect the right to a secret ballot today, what rights will we be fighting to hold onto tomorrow?
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Steele's Stickin' Around
Politico's Ben Smith makes a couple of good points regarding recent rumblings on RNC Chair Michael Steele:
Steele, sticking around
Two items pretty much putting the rest to the buzz that Michael Steele could be couped:
Katon Dawson tells Geraghty: "I support Michael Steele. Our Committee elected him knowing that he can lead us during this critical time for our Party. The people behind this anonymous rumor are clearly intent on dividing the Republican National Committee and our Party at a time when we need to be united."
And Matt Cooper points out that an ouster would require a two-thirds vote.
Steele, sticking around
Two items pretty much putting the rest to the buzz that Michael Steele could be couped:
Katon Dawson tells Geraghty: "I support Michael Steele. Our Committee elected him knowing that he can lead us during this critical time for our Party. The people behind this anonymous rumor are clearly intent on dividing the Republican National Committee and our Party at a time when we need to be united."
And Matt Cooper points out that an ouster would require a two-thirds vote.
In Their Own Words...
While American taxpayers are looking for answers regarding the billions of dollars in earmarks included in the new $787 billion federal stimulus package as well as the $410 billion omnibus bill signed today by President Obama, Office of Management and Budget Director Peter Orszag had this to say….
“If we can’t expect answers from President Obama’s Budget Director while he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee, and we can’t get them from President Obama himself, exactly who in the Obama Administration is being held accountable for his campaign trail promise to go through the federal budget line by line removing earmarks?” asked RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Republicans have been repeatedly criticized for saying ‘No’ to the Obama Administration, while it’s actually President Obama saying ‘No’ – to any answering any questions. I think it’s about time the American taxpayers said ‘No’ to footing the bill.”
“You should not expect, and you will not be receiving, definitive answers from me.”
“If we can’t expect answers from President Obama’s Budget Director while he testifies before the Senate Finance Committee, and we can’t get them from President Obama himself, exactly who in the Obama Administration is being held accountable for his campaign trail promise to go through the federal budget line by line removing earmarks?” asked RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Republicans have been repeatedly criticized for saying ‘No’ to the Obama Administration, while it’s actually President Obama saying ‘No’ – to any answering any questions. I think it’s about time the American taxpayers said ‘No’ to footing the bill.”
FL Dems Locked Down Against Secret Ballot
FYI: The RPOF just issued the following release:
Florida House Dems Locked Down Against Secret Ballot
Tallahassee—House Democrats today voted against House Joint Resolution 1013 guaranteeing the right to vote by secret ballot in the House Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee. The joint resolution is sponsored by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) in an effort to protect Floridians’ fundamental right to a secret ballot.
“The four Florida Democrats who put partisan politics over Floridians’ precious right to vote by secret ballot have some explaining to do to their constituents,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Representatives Oscar Braynon, Adam Fetterman, Bill Heller, and Kelly Skidmore just voted not only against secret ballots, but against our efforts to strengthen Florida’s economy and create new jobs.”
HJR 1013 seeks to amend the Florida constitution in order to supersede any potential moves by the Democrat-controlled Congress that would harm an individual’s right to a secret ballot, both at the ballot box on Election Day and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme court has ruled that state law may prevail if it safeguards important interests and does not disrupt the federal regulatory scheme. Leader Hasner and State Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), who has filed SJR 1908 in the Florida Senate to place the amendment on the ballot, are working with Save our Secret Ballot, a national organization dedicated to educating Americans about the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires elections.
“These four Democrat legislators sent a clear message today that they are with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and big labor, and against Florida workers,” concluded Leader Hasner. “They sent a message that harassment and intimidation are acceptable, that Floridians’ right to cast a secret ballot is not a fundamental principle in our society, and that more voter participation is not a priority for them. That message should be extremely alarming not only to their constituents, but to all Floridians.”
Florida House Dems Locked Down Against Secret Ballot
Tallahassee—House Democrats today voted against House Joint Resolution 1013 guaranteeing the right to vote by secret ballot in the House Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee. The joint resolution is sponsored by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) in an effort to protect Floridians’ fundamental right to a secret ballot.
“The four Florida Democrats who put partisan politics over Floridians’ precious right to vote by secret ballot have some explaining to do to their constituents,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Representatives Oscar Braynon, Adam Fetterman, Bill Heller, and Kelly Skidmore just voted not only against secret ballots, but against our efforts to strengthen Florida’s economy and create new jobs.”
HJR 1013 seeks to amend the Florida constitution in order to supersede any potential moves by the Democrat-controlled Congress that would harm an individual’s right to a secret ballot, both at the ballot box on Election Day and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme court has ruled that state law may prevail if it safeguards important interests and does not disrupt the federal regulatory scheme. Leader Hasner and State Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), who has filed SJR 1908 in the Florida Senate to place the amendment on the ballot, are working with Save our Secret Ballot, a national organization dedicated to educating Americans about the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires elections.
“These four Democrat legislators sent a clear message today that they are with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and big labor, and against Florida workers,” concluded Leader Hasner. “They sent a message that harassment and intimidation are acceptable, that Floridians’ right to cast a secret ballot is not a fundamental principle in our society, and that more voter participation is not a priority for them. That message should be extremely alarming not only to their constituents, but to all Floridians.”
Florida House Dems Locked Down Against Secret Ballot
Tallahassee—House Democrats today voted against House Joint Resolution 1013 guaranteeing the right to vote by secret ballot in the House Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee. The joint resolution is sponsored by House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) in an effort to protect Floridians’ fundamental right to a secret ballot.
“The four Florida Democrats who put partisan politics over Floridians’ precious right to vote by secret ballot have some explaining to do to their constituents,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Representatives Oscar Braynon, Adam Fetterman, Bill Heller, and Kelly Skidmore just voted not only against secret ballots, but against our efforts to strengthen Florida’s economy and create new jobs.”
HJR 1013 seeks to amend the Florida constitution in order to supersede any potential moves by the Democrat-controlled Congress that would harm an individual’s right to a secret ballot, both at the ballot box on Election Day and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme court has ruled that state law may prevail if it safeguards important interests and does not disrupt the federal regulatory scheme. Leader Hasner and State Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), who has filed SJR 1908 in the Florida Senate to place the amendment on the ballot, are working with Save our Secret Ballot, a national organization dedicated to educating Americans about the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires elections.
“These four Democrat legislators sent a clear message today that they are with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and big labor, and against Florida workers,” concluded Leader Hasner. “They sent a message that harassment and intimidation are acceptable, that Floridians’ right to cast a secret ballot is not a fundamental principle in our society, and that more voter participation is not a priority for them. That message should be extremely alarming not only to their constituents, but to all Floridians.”
“The four Florida Democrats who put partisan politics over Floridians’ precious right to vote by secret ballot have some explaining to do to their constituents,” noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. “Representatives Oscar Braynon, Adam Fetterman, Bill Heller, and Kelly Skidmore just voted not only against secret ballots, but against our efforts to strengthen Florida’s economy and create new jobs.”
HJR 1013 seeks to amend the Florida constitution in order to supersede any potential moves by the Democrat-controlled Congress that would harm an individual’s right to a secret ballot, both at the ballot box on Election Day and in the workplace. The U.S. Supreme court has ruled that state law may prevail if it safeguards important interests and does not disrupt the federal regulatory scheme. Leader Hasner and State Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), who has filed SJR 1908 in the Florida Senate to place the amendment on the ballot, are working with Save our Secret Ballot, a national organization dedicated to educating Americans about the continued need for a secret ballot wherever state or federal law requires elections.
“These four Democrat legislators sent a clear message today that they are with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and big labor, and against Florida workers,” concluded Leader Hasner. “They sent a message that harassment and intimidation are acceptable, that Floridians’ right to cast a secret ballot is not a fundamental principle in our society, and that more voter participation is not a priority for them. That message should be extremely alarming not only to their constituents, but to all Floridians.”
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Time to Come Clean on Card Check, Klein
The RPOF just issued the following release:
Time to Come Clean, Klein
Tallahassee--Florida Congressman Ron Klein has announced that he will not be a co-sponsor of the card check bill officially introduced in Congress today, even though he supported it just one year ago.
"Ron Klein must clarify his exact position on this controversial bill, which seeks to strip American workers of their right to vote by secret ballot," noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. "Will Klein stand up and protect Florida workers and vote against card check, or will he pacify Big Labor bosses and vote for it?"
Klein is one of several Democrats who supported card check just a year ago but who have decided not to co-sponsor the bill this year. Card check is an effort by labor unions and the Democrat majorities in Congress to shred the fundamental right to vote by secret ballot. Republicans, including House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) and Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), in conjunction with the Save Our Secret Ballot initiative, believe that a voter's right to a secret ballot is an essential and fundamental principle in our society, encouraging broader voter participation. Without the ability to vote secretly, individual political freedom will decline and be subject to threats and intimidation by those who want voters to pursue a specific course of action or ideology.
"Ron Klein may attempt to quietly disengage from his recent support of card check, but voters know the truth: Klein supported this assault on Floridians' rights just a year ago," concluded Greer. "Now the question is, will he cave in to out-of-state union bosses and vote for it?"
Time to Come Clean, Klein
Tallahassee--Florida Congressman Ron Klein has announced that he will not be a co-sponsor of the card check bill officially introduced in Congress today, even though he supported it just one year ago.
"Ron Klein must clarify his exact position on this controversial bill, which seeks to strip American workers of their right to vote by secret ballot," noted RPOF Chairman Jim Greer. "Will Klein stand up and protect Florida workers and vote against card check, or will he pacify Big Labor bosses and vote for it?"
Klein is one of several Democrats who supported card check just a year ago but who have decided not to co-sponsor the bill this year. Card check is an effort by labor unions and the Democrat majorities in Congress to shred the fundamental right to vote by secret ballot. Republicans, including House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) and Senator Garrett Richter (R-Naples), in conjunction with the Save Our Secret Ballot initiative, believe that a voter's right to a secret ballot is an essential and fundamental principle in our society, encouraging broader voter participation. Without the ability to vote secretly, individual political freedom will decline and be subject to threats and intimidation by those who want voters to pursue a specific course of action or ideology.
"Ron Klein may attempt to quietly disengage from his recent support of card check, but voters know the truth: Klein supported this assault on Floridians' rights just a year ago," concluded Greer. "Now the question is, will he cave in to out-of-state union bosses and vote for it?"
Labor unions: Vote is sacred
Florida Times-Union
“Try as they might, unions should be having a difficult time selling a key feature of their misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The act would allow unions to dispense with secret ballots if they accumulate signed cards from a majority of the workers. They still have today's option of a secret election, but it's doubtful that would ever happen. Why risk it? What the unions portray as leveling the playing field actually tilts it their way. The bill could more accurately be described as the Meaningless Vote Act, since votes wouldn't be needed. Card checks would be public, thus exposing workers to pressure from both sides. As it now stands, a worker may sign a card to allow an election and then vote his conscience in private. Card check makes an employee's wishes public, thus becoming an invitation for intimidation. Card check is not the only egregious element in the proposed bill. Another item would require companies and newly certified unions to enter mediation, followed by binding arbitration, if they cannot reach agreement on a contract after just 90 days of negotiations … If Nelson intends to represent his right to work state, then he needs to oppose this law as it is currently written. A secret ballot should be ensured. Mediation and arbitration should not be mandatory. And penalties should be assessed equitably. This is bad law. But it also will be bad politics if the Democrats go through with this. Every fair-minded person should be appalled. No matter what your opinion is of unions, the proposal to bypass secret votes ought to stir opposition.”
“Try as they might, unions should be having a difficult time selling a key feature of their misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The act would allow unions to dispense with secret ballots if they accumulate signed cards from a majority of the workers. They still have today's option of a secret election, but it's doubtful that would ever happen. Why risk it? What the unions portray as leveling the playing field actually tilts it their way. The bill could more accurately be described as the Meaningless Vote Act, since votes wouldn't be needed. Card checks would be public, thus exposing workers to pressure from both sides. As it now stands, a worker may sign a card to allow an election and then vote his conscience in private. Card check makes an employee's wishes public, thus becoming an invitation for intimidation. Card check is not the only egregious element in the proposed bill. Another item would require companies and newly certified unions to enter mediation, followed by binding arbitration, if they cannot reach agreement on a contract after just 90 days of negotiations … If Nelson intends to represent his right to work state, then he needs to oppose this law as it is currently written. A secret ballot should be ensured. Mediation and arbitration should not be mandatory. And penalties should be assessed equitably. This is bad law. But it also will be bad politics if the Democrats go through with this. Every fair-minded person should be appalled. No matter what your opinion is of unions, the proposal to bypass secret votes ought to stir opposition.”
Monday, March 9, 2009
Steele Overhauling GOP
This piece by Curt Anderson, an advisor and friend of GOP Chairman Michael Steele, was posted on Politico this afternoon.
Adviser: Steele overhauling GOP
Over the past week, new RNC Chairman Michael Steele has walked through the fire, or more accurately, through a shooting gallery inside the Beltway. To be clear, some of this was self-inflicted. As the chairman has said, he made some missteps in a few media appearances. Live and learn.
Behind the noise however, there is a different scene unfolding, and one that should give hope to Republicans everywhere, or at least Republicans outside the beltway. For the first time ever, the new chairman is conducting a complete and thorough overhaul of all party operations. Anyone associated with the Republican campaigns of the past few cycles knows the real truth: Our party has been out-gunned, out-worked and "out-technologied.”
The chairman promised to clean house at the RNC if he won. He did, and he did. This has led to some serious griping inside the Beltway. Many were lying in wait, hoping he would stumble, so they could pounce. He did, and they did.
As part of Steele’s transition at the RNC, 10 members of the RNC have descended from around the country onto the headquarters at 310 First St. Their mission has been to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all the functions of each department — everything from finance to communications to research to politics. Every line item in the budget has been scrubbed; every position in the organizational chart has been reviewed.
This process was completed on time at the end of February. Now comes the hard part — taking the recommendations of this ten-member transition team and melding them into a new RNC that will do more with less and move the party to the place where we can compete and win in the 2010 elections.
Change is never easy, of course, and many feel threatened by it. Steele’s election as chairman of the Republican Party was a shock to the system for many of the Republican ruling class, the old guard in Washington. Over the past week, countless anonymous sources have brought out the long knives. Indeed, over the past week, the empire has struck back.
To be clear, some of the criticisms have been legitimate. This process has not been perfect. This new administration at the RNC has made mistakes, and all of us on Team Steele will make more, and we will own up to them.
That said, the vast majority of RNC members, both old and new, both those who supported Steele and those who did not, are on board with this overhaul of party operations. There is great unanimity on one thing: The 2006 and 2008 elections were not just bad, they were disastrous. Staying the course is not an option.
The best news is this — over the course of the past month, there is increasing evidence that the Republican Party as a whole is once again finding its voice. With 99 percent of elected Republicans in Washington standing on principle against the so-called stimulus package, the unprecedented expansion of government and wasteful spending, Republicans are coalescing.
We did not get into this mess in a just a few months, and we won’t get out of it in just a few weeks. But the seeds of the comeback are being sown. 2010 will be a different story.
Curt Anderson is a partner at OnMessage Inc, a Republican media and polling firm. He is a top adviser to Chairman Steele and has been Steele’s personal friend for 15 years.
Adviser: Steele overhauling GOP
Over the past week, new RNC Chairman Michael Steele has walked through the fire, or more accurately, through a shooting gallery inside the Beltway. To be clear, some of this was self-inflicted. As the chairman has said, he made some missteps in a few media appearances. Live and learn.
Behind the noise however, there is a different scene unfolding, and one that should give hope to Republicans everywhere, or at least Republicans outside the beltway. For the first time ever, the new chairman is conducting a complete and thorough overhaul of all party operations. Anyone associated with the Republican campaigns of the past few cycles knows the real truth: Our party has been out-gunned, out-worked and "out-technologied.”
The chairman promised to clean house at the RNC if he won. He did, and he did. This has led to some serious griping inside the Beltway. Many were lying in wait, hoping he would stumble, so they could pounce. He did, and they did.
As part of Steele’s transition at the RNC, 10 members of the RNC have descended from around the country onto the headquarters at 310 First St. Their mission has been to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all the functions of each department — everything from finance to communications to research to politics. Every line item in the budget has been scrubbed; every position in the organizational chart has been reviewed.
This process was completed on time at the end of February. Now comes the hard part — taking the recommendations of this ten-member transition team and melding them into a new RNC that will do more with less and move the party to the place where we can compete and win in the 2010 elections.
Change is never easy, of course, and many feel threatened by it. Steele’s election as chairman of the Republican Party was a shock to the system for many of the Republican ruling class, the old guard in Washington. Over the past week, countless anonymous sources have brought out the long knives. Indeed, over the past week, the empire has struck back.
To be clear, some of the criticisms have been legitimate. This process has not been perfect. This new administration at the RNC has made mistakes, and all of us on Team Steele will make more, and we will own up to them.
That said, the vast majority of RNC members, both old and new, both those who supported Steele and those who did not, are on board with this overhaul of party operations. There is great unanimity on one thing: The 2006 and 2008 elections were not just bad, they were disastrous. Staying the course is not an option.
The best news is this — over the course of the past month, there is increasing evidence that the Republican Party as a whole is once again finding its voice. With 99 percent of elected Republicans in Washington standing on principle against the so-called stimulus package, the unprecedented expansion of government and wasteful spending, Republicans are coalescing.
We did not get into this mess in a just a few months, and we won’t get out of it in just a few weeks. But the seeds of the comeback are being sown. 2010 will be a different story.
Curt Anderson is a partner at OnMessage Inc, a Republican media and polling firm. He is a top adviser to Chairman Steele and has been Steele’s personal friend for 15 years.
Sands: The Invisible House Democrat Leader
The Miami Herald takes a look at House Democrat Leader Franklin Sands, who illustrates the leadership vacuum facing Democrats in Florida:
"...As a scrum of reporters jostled for sound bites after the governor's annual address last week, House Democratic leader Franklin Sands hung back, despite an aide's suggestion that he join colleagues holding court.
Earlier, the 68-year-old lawmaker had deferred to a lower-ranking colleague to give the party's videotaped response to the speech.
Sands is the only South Florida Democrat in leadership, but he's more frequently pegged as the self-made Weston millionaire who lost his life savings in the global Bernard Madoff scandal.
..."For Rep. Sands to be relevant, his challenge is to offer real ideas and solutions, and he's yet to demonstrate that,'' said Republican Rep. Adam Hasner of Delray Beach.
...In an election that saw record-setting, Barack Obama-fueled turnout, the party picked up only one House seat. (During Gelber's term, Democrats won nine over two years.)
..."The goal was to increase our numbers, and it didn't happen," said Rep. Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale. "We needed a more focused approach, as opposed to playing in a number of races."
One month after the election, Sands faced allegations -- which he denied -- that he was basing committee assignments to fellow Democrats on their party fundraising.
..."He's very low-key. Too low key," said Rep. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville, who ran unsuccessfully against Sands for his leadership job...
"...As a scrum of reporters jostled for sound bites after the governor's annual address last week, House Democratic leader Franklin Sands hung back, despite an aide's suggestion that he join colleagues holding court.
Earlier, the 68-year-old lawmaker had deferred to a lower-ranking colleague to give the party's videotaped response to the speech.
Sands is the only South Florida Democrat in leadership, but he's more frequently pegged as the self-made Weston millionaire who lost his life savings in the global Bernard Madoff scandal.
..."For Rep. Sands to be relevant, his challenge is to offer real ideas and solutions, and he's yet to demonstrate that,'' said Republican Rep. Adam Hasner of Delray Beach.
...In an election that saw record-setting, Barack Obama-fueled turnout, the party picked up only one House seat. (During Gelber's term, Democrats won nine over two years.)
..."The goal was to increase our numbers, and it didn't happen," said Rep. Perry Thurston of Fort Lauderdale. "We needed a more focused approach, as opposed to playing in a number of races."
One month after the election, Sands faced allegations -- which he denied -- that he was basing committee assignments to fellow Democrats on their party fundraising.
..."He's very low-key. Too low key," said Rep. Audrey Gibson of Jacksonville, who ran unsuccessfully against Sands for his leadership job...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
