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
Showing posts with label GOP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOP. Show all posts
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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?"
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...
Friday, March 6, 2009
Rep. Grayson Won't Hold His Tongue
Politico: Rep. Grayson won't hold his tongue
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
The standard playbook for new members of Congress includes this time-honored piece of advice: Lay low, focus on constituent service and avoid drawing too much attention to yourself.
But Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) hasn’t paid much attention to the old adage about being seen and not heard. Just two months into his first term, he’s already making a name for himself with a shoot-from-the-lip style and an ideological edge that some argue is ill-suited for the competitive, suburban Orlando seat that he represents.
On Wednesday, Grayson weighed in on the dispute between the Obama administration and Rush Limbaugh, calling the conservative talk show host “a sorry excuse for a human being.” In January, he referred to Limbaugh as a “has-been hypocrite loser” who “was more lucid when he was a drug addict.”
The tart-tongued freshman also skewered Wall Street CEOs with sharp questioning at a recent Financial Services Committee meeting — video of which he uploaded to YouTube — and, in a much-noted personnel move, hired prominent liberal blogger and political consultant Matt Stoller to be a senior policy adviser on his congressional staff.
During the past election, Stoller led efforts to recruit liberal primary candidates to challenge moderate Democratic members of Congress throughout the country.
All of this has earned Grayson a national following of progressive admirers, including prominent congressional candidate Darcy Burner of Washington, who made a late January fundraising appeal praising Grayson for “scaring some of the people who got us into this financial mess.”
“It’s who the guy is; it’s not like he’s changed at all since he’s been elected,” said Democratic pollster Dave Beatty. “It’s who he is. He’s outspoken, and he’s serving the same way he ran.”
In dozens of congressional districts across the nation, Grayson’s approach would ensure a long career in office. The trouble is, Florida’s 8th District isn’t one of them.
While Barack Obama, by all estimates, carried the district in 2008, George W. Bush won by comfortable margins in 2000 and 2004. As recently as 2004, then-incumbent Rep. Ric Keller (R-Fla.) won reelection with 61 percent of the vote.
It’s the kind of competitive district where Grayson’s talk of beating “swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks” might not resonate the way it would elsewhere.
“For someone in Congress, he’s really out there. He comes across as a total ideological flake,” said Florida Republican media consultant John Dowless. “He’s tacking hard left, and he’s trying to become the Robert Wexler of Congress, but Wexler’s in a district where you can do that and get away with it. Grayson’s not in that type of district.”
Indeed, Republicans view his election as something of a fluke, the result of a combination of an unpopular GOP incumbent, a well-financed challenger — Grayson spent over $2 million of his own fortune — and Obama’s coattails.
In 2004, John F. Kerry carried the district’s base of Orange County by fewer than 1,000 votes. In 2008, however, Obama won the county by 86,000 votes, boosted by high turnout among Hispanics and college students. That helped Grayson edge Keller 52 percent to 48 percent.
Grayson’s spokesman, Todd Jurkowski, said the congressman’s populist style is playing well at a time when many constituents are worried about job losses in the service industry and rising home foreclosures.
“People in Florida want to be represented by someone who speaks his mind and is honest,” said Jurkowski. “They may not agree with everything he says, but at least they know what he’s thinking and where he stands.”
Already, several Republicans are considering a challenge, including Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, who handily won reelection in 2006.
“He’s a conservative Republican, but he’s earned the respect of a lot of people the way he does business on development issues,” said Dowless. “He would be a candidate popular among Republicans and among moderate Democrats as well.”
Another prospective Republican candidate is former state Sen. Daniel Webster, a veteran of two decades in the Florida Legislature. A Mike Huckabee supporter in 2008, Webster has strong connections with the district’s socially conservative base.
Webster and Crotty are close friends, and Florida Republicans believe that party leadership will clear the field to avoid a competitive primary.
One GOP candidate has already announced his intention to run: conservative radio talk show host Todd Long, who failed to unseat Keller in last year’s primary.
Grayson, however, is accustomed to being underestimated — Keller told POLITICO last September that he would “bet his life” on defeating Grayson. The former congressman now practices law at an Orlando firm.
And Grayson has deep pockets and could single-handedly finance his campaign. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, he is the 10th-wealthiest member of Congress, with personal assets totaling over $29 million. Republicans insist his outspoken style will gradually turn off moderate voters.
“My advice to Alan Grayson is: Keep talking,” said David Johnson, former executive director of the Florida GOP. “I think the Republican Party will buy him a microphone and pay for throat lozenges.”
Monday, February 23, 2009
Steele to Republicans: Beat the Dems Online
Check out the blog below by Sergio Rodriguera Jr., former policy advisor to the DoD and DoT...
GOP Netroots: Fired Up and Ready to Rumble
Is the GOP dead? Well, that's what you would conclude from pundits on MSNBC or writing for the New York Times, but not if you have been following grassroots and online activists burning up blogs and conference calls since the November election. The newly elected GOP chairman, Michael Steele, has given fellow Republicans a challenge: it is time to beat the Democrats in the online world.
Since taking the helm of the Republican National Committee at the end of January, Chairman Steele has been popping up in new and old media taking issue with the stimulus bill and the Obama administration's tax troubled appointees. But behind the scenes he has been partnering with Saul Anuzis, former Michigan GOP chair and former opponent in the race for RNC chairman, to invigorate the GOP online activists.
Last Friday, the RNC held the GOP Tech Summit at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., which brought together bloggers, politicos, and activists to discuss ideas ranging from social networking to online fundraising. The forum was also broadcast online so that those who were interested from all over the country could view and submit their comments. Attendees even got a surprise visit from Chairman Steele and Newt Gingrich. Followers of the discussion were then given action items and deadlines on proposals to be given to Chairman Steele. GOP Tech Summit on the RNC website has now over 2,000 ongoing contributors who are busy discussing lessons learned and strategy.
The truth is, during the last election Senator McCain was badly outmanned against the online juggernaut of then-Senator Obama. The online strategists of Team Obama understood how to capture email addresses and cell numbers at rallies by making sure they accounted for every single person in attendance. Warm-up acts before the main surrogates asked attendees that supported Senator Obama to text a number which would be captured. They we later asked for a donation on their cells before they departed the event. Also, the Obama campaign created MyBarackObama.com, which allowed users to have a direct link to the campaign and later be tasked with assignments such as turning out the vote. Both were innovative uses of a superior online media strategy.
Now, not every voter wants to be texted political messages or fundraising requests. But using cell phone technology to get a quick update (such as the choice of vice-presidential nominee) was an ingenious way of keeping supporters involved in the campaign. Use of cell phone technology is only in its infancy in political campaigns, and, just as it is now used in Europe and Asia to conduct banking transactions, it will play a major role in future political communication and organization.
Chairman Steele understands that Republicans must act quickly and there is no time to lose. Therefore, he has tasked several working groups with the responsibility for bringing together experts and concerned activists from across the country to discuss initiatives. It is clear that he and his advisers are serious about the effort. For example, Anuzis jumped on a conference call for the tech grassroots on Tuesday night, thanking them for their forward thinking and openness.
Chairman Steele is right to be focused on technology. Americans are paying closer attention to politics than at any other time in recent history. With all the technologies available to distribute information this should be no surprise. But the technology is not necessarily one controlled by politicians. Politicians should wake up and realize that anyone with a cell phone now can be a reporter. Any slip of the tongue can wind up on YouTube. (Virginia Senator George Allen realized that a glib remark made at a small campaign event effectively undermined his re-election in 2006.)
Transparency is quickly becoming the buzz word in Washington. The days of politicians escaping from the public and evading responsibility for their rhetoric are drawing to an end. Websites like politifact.com are keeping tabs on the promises made and broken by President Obama. Individuals then can blast that information to their network on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter for thousands to see.
Chairman Steele has said that we are not going to win by using Facebook and Twitter. However, using all forums and media to reach voters, especially new voters, is the key to growing the party. "The internet is a living organism that is what you make of it," says David All, a Republican strategist coordinating efforts for the tech grassroots working group.
Republicans are not that far behind and are quickly gaining ground on their political adversaries. The next congressional election will be here before you know it, and the presidential election is just a few years away. It is clear that if Chairman Steele has anything to say about it, the GOP will not repeat the same mistakes of 2008.
GOP Netroots: Fired Up and Ready to Rumble
Is the GOP dead? Well, that's what you would conclude from pundits on MSNBC or writing for the New York Times, but not if you have been following grassroots and online activists burning up blogs and conference calls since the November election. The newly elected GOP chairman, Michael Steele, has given fellow Republicans a challenge: it is time to beat the Democrats in the online world.
Since taking the helm of the Republican National Committee at the end of January, Chairman Steele has been popping up in new and old media taking issue with the stimulus bill and the Obama administration's tax troubled appointees. But behind the scenes he has been partnering with Saul Anuzis, former Michigan GOP chair and former opponent in the race for RNC chairman, to invigorate the GOP online activists.
Last Friday, the RNC held the GOP Tech Summit at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, D.C., which brought together bloggers, politicos, and activists to discuss ideas ranging from social networking to online fundraising. The forum was also broadcast online so that those who were interested from all over the country could view and submit their comments. Attendees even got a surprise visit from Chairman Steele and Newt Gingrich. Followers of the discussion were then given action items and deadlines on proposals to be given to Chairman Steele. GOP Tech Summit on the RNC website has now over 2,000 ongoing contributors who are busy discussing lessons learned and strategy.
The truth is, during the last election Senator McCain was badly outmanned against the online juggernaut of then-Senator Obama. The online strategists of Team Obama understood how to capture email addresses and cell numbers at rallies by making sure they accounted for every single person in attendance. Warm-up acts before the main surrogates asked attendees that supported Senator Obama to text a number which would be captured. They we later asked for a donation on their cells before they departed the event. Also, the Obama campaign created MyBarackObama.com, which allowed users to have a direct link to the campaign and later be tasked with assignments such as turning out the vote. Both were innovative uses of a superior online media strategy.
Now, not every voter wants to be texted political messages or fundraising requests. But using cell phone technology to get a quick update (such as the choice of vice-presidential nominee) was an ingenious way of keeping supporters involved in the campaign. Use of cell phone technology is only in its infancy in political campaigns, and, just as it is now used in Europe and Asia to conduct banking transactions, it will play a major role in future political communication and organization.
Chairman Steele understands that Republicans must act quickly and there is no time to lose. Therefore, he has tasked several working groups with the responsibility for bringing together experts and concerned activists from across the country to discuss initiatives. It is clear that he and his advisers are serious about the effort. For example, Anuzis jumped on a conference call for the tech grassroots on Tuesday night, thanking them for their forward thinking and openness.
Chairman Steele is right to be focused on technology. Americans are paying closer attention to politics than at any other time in recent history. With all the technologies available to distribute information this should be no surprise. But the technology is not necessarily one controlled by politicians. Politicians should wake up and realize that anyone with a cell phone now can be a reporter. Any slip of the tongue can wind up on YouTube. (Virginia Senator George Allen realized that a glib remark made at a small campaign event effectively undermined his re-election in 2006.)
Transparency is quickly becoming the buzz word in Washington. The days of politicians escaping from the public and evading responsibility for their rhetoric are drawing to an end. Websites like politifact.com are keeping tabs on the promises made and broken by President Obama. Individuals then can blast that information to their network on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter for thousands to see.
Chairman Steele has said that we are not going to win by using Facebook and Twitter. However, using all forums and media to reach voters, especially new voters, is the key to growing the party. "The internet is a living organism that is what you make of it," says David All, a Republican strategist coordinating efforts for the tech grassroots working group.
Republicans are not that far behind and are quickly gaining ground on their political adversaries. The next congressional election will be here before you know it, and the presidential election is just a few years away. It is clear that if Chairman Steele has anything to say about it, the GOP will not repeat the same mistakes of 2008.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Dissection of Steele's Victory
Brad Todd has an insightful look into RNC Chairman Michael Steele's victory, published in PoliticsMagazine.com Highlights below.
...The core of Steele’s winning coalition were the RNC’s newer members—people like Preibus and mostly-unknown state party chairs like Jim Greer of Florida and Bob Tiernan of Oregon.
...As a conservative Catholic, Steele hit expected right-wing high-notes, but he also talked about school choice for urban children and long-term solutions to poverty. Steele carries three Blackberries and is prone to flurries of past-midnight emails, and he made a convincing case that he would bring the GOP’s campaign technology into the digital age.
...In short, Steele built a leadership team—and a winning campaign—with tactics, ideas, and coalitions rarely before used in the GOP. Steele promised to shake things up at party headquarters—and to the old guard’s surprise, the new RNC was in a mood to shake...
...The core of Steele’s winning coalition were the RNC’s newer members—people like Preibus and mostly-unknown state party chairs like Jim Greer of Florida and Bob Tiernan of Oregon.
Half of Steele’s 21-person “whip team” on the committee rose to their current Party leadership roles after the disastrous election of 2006. They’re the brave ones who swam toward the sinking ship.
...As a conservative Catholic, Steele hit expected right-wing high-notes, but he also talked about school choice for urban children and long-term solutions to poverty. Steele carries three Blackberries and is prone to flurries of past-midnight emails, and he made a convincing case that he would bring the GOP’s campaign technology into the digital age.
...In short, Steele built a leadership team—and a winning campaign—with tactics, ideas, and coalitions rarely before used in the GOP. Steele promised to shake things up at party headquarters—and to the old guard’s surprise, the new RNC was in a mood to shake...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CQ: GOP Ramping Up Online Organizing
Congressional Quarterly reports on the GOP's efforts to "Prep the Portals of Online Organizing."
Highlights below:
Republicans already are gearing up to regain lost ground from the 2008 elections, with a plan to level the digital playing field and fight the Democrats precinct by precinct and byte by byte.
That was the overarching theme Feb. 6 at a hastily organized “Tech Summit” held by the Republican National Committee, which brought party activists and strategists together to present ideas on how the RNC can better use available technologies to engage voters.
Under new Chairman Michael Steele, the GOP has embraced new technology as part of its rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the disastrous 2008 election.
Close to 300 people took part, with hundreds more joining online. The summit featured a steady stream of speakers, each sharing their thoughts on everything from online marketing to political text messaging to social networking.
“Bottom line is, if we haven’t done it, let’s do it. If we haven’t thought of it, think about it. If it hasn’t been tried, why not?” Steele asked in a speech that verged on a sermon. The audience at the Capitol Hill Club responded with vigorous nods and occasional murmurs of “Yes!”
“The goal,” said Steele, “of bringing the party into the 21st century is all that and then some.”
Read more...
Highlights below:
Republicans already are gearing up to regain lost ground from the 2008 elections, with a plan to level the digital playing field and fight the Democrats precinct by precinct and byte by byte.
That was the overarching theme Feb. 6 at a hastily organized “Tech Summit” held by the Republican National Committee, which brought party activists and strategists together to present ideas on how the RNC can better use available technologies to engage voters.
Under new Chairman Michael Steele, the GOP has embraced new technology as part of its rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the disastrous 2008 election.
Close to 300 people took part, with hundreds more joining online. The summit featured a steady stream of speakers, each sharing their thoughts on everything from online marketing to political text messaging to social networking.
“Bottom line is, if we haven’t done it, let’s do it. If we haven’t thought of it, think about it. If it hasn’t been tried, why not?” Steele asked in a speech that verged on a sermon. The audience at the Capitol Hill Club responded with vigorous nods and occasional murmurs of “Yes!”
“The goal,” said Steele, “of bringing the party into the 21st century is all that and then some.”
Read more...
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Pelosi Didn't Get the Memo
From our friends at the NRCC:
DCCC Dismisses Obama’s Calls for Bipartisanship
Washington Post Editorial: Politics, Still Strangled: Did the DCCC miss Mr. Obama's memo?
SPIN CYCLE:
Pelosi Proclaimed Congress Must “Work in a Bipartisan Way and Build Consensus”
“The challenges before us are formidable. Some can be solved immediately; others will take more time.
“To solve all of them, we must govern from the middle – reaching across the aisle to work in a bipartisan way and build consensus.
“We will work together with greatest civility.” – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Speech at Bipartisan New Member Dinner, 11/17/08
RINSE CYCLE:
Dems Only Willing to Offer up More of the Same, DCCC Plays Partisan Politics as Usual
“PRESIDENT OBAMA says he wants a new era of bipartisanship. Among the areas where he is sure to need bipartisan help are foreign aid and fixing the nation's credit system. So why is the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee taking cheap shots at Republicans for their votes in those two areas?
“The hits come in radio ads that the DCCC began running yesterday against 28 Republican incumbents for their opposition to Mr. Obama's stimulus bill. That's fair enough; the stance on the bill is a major fault line between the two parties. But the ads also contrast the Republicans' opposition to stimulus with their votes ‘to bail out big banks,’ in some cases, and for ‘building new schools in Iraq,’ in others. ‘Times are tough,’ one ad says. ‘Tell [Rep.] Thad McCotter to put American jobs first.’
“The first reference is to last fall's vote on the Troubled Assets Relief Program, which Mr. Obama and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), chief of the DCCC, both supported -- and rightly so. The second is to a 2005 vote on emergency funds for Iraq that passed 386 to 43, again with Mr. Van Hollen in the majority -- again, rightly so. A spokeswoman for the DCCC says the ads are merely seeking to draw a contrast between past and present votes, and the White House has said that Mr. Obama isn't going to start refereeing others' commercials.
“Well, okay. But when he reaches out to Republicans for help on, say, Afghan reconstruction or the next slice of funds to rescue the banking system, he shouldn't be surprised if they reply, effectively, ‘How dumb do you think we are?’”
DCCC Dismisses Obama’s Calls for Bipartisanship
Washington Post Editorial: Politics, Still Strangled: Did the DCCC miss Mr. Obama's memo?
SPIN CYCLE:
Pelosi Proclaimed Congress Must “Work in a Bipartisan Way and Build Consensus”
“The challenges before us are formidable. Some can be solved immediately; others will take more time.
“To solve all of them, we must govern from the middle – reaching across the aisle to work in a bipartisan way and build consensus.
“We will work together with greatest civility.” – Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Speech at Bipartisan New Member Dinner, 11/17/08
RINSE CYCLE:
Dems Only Willing to Offer up More of the Same, DCCC Plays Partisan Politics as Usual
“PRESIDENT OBAMA says he wants a new era of bipartisanship. Among the areas where he is sure to need bipartisan help are foreign aid and fixing the nation's credit system. So why is the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee taking cheap shots at Republicans for their votes in those two areas?
“The hits come in radio ads that the DCCC began running yesterday against 28 Republican incumbents for their opposition to Mr. Obama's stimulus bill. That's fair enough; the stance on the bill is a major fault line between the two parties. But the ads also contrast the Republicans' opposition to stimulus with their votes ‘to bail out big banks,’ in some cases, and for ‘building new schools in Iraq,’ in others. ‘Times are tough,’ one ad says. ‘Tell [Rep.] Thad McCotter to put American jobs first.’
“The first reference is to last fall's vote on the Troubled Assets Relief Program, which Mr. Obama and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (Md.), chief of the DCCC, both supported -- and rightly so. The second is to a 2005 vote on emergency funds for Iraq that passed 386 to 43, again with Mr. Van Hollen in the majority -- again, rightly so. A spokeswoman for the DCCC says the ads are merely seeking to draw a contrast between past and present votes, and the White House has said that Mr. Obama isn't going to start refereeing others' commercials.
“Well, okay. But when he reaches out to Republicans for help on, say, Afghan reconstruction or the next slice of funds to rescue the banking system, he shouldn't be surprised if they reply, effectively, ‘How dumb do you think we are?’”
Friday, January 30, 2009
FL's Role in RNC Chair Election
Florida has a significant role in the coverage on Michael Steele's election as RNC Chairman--FL GOP Chairman Jim Greer was the first major state Party Chair to endorse Steele. Highlights are below:
Steele Wins RNC Chair
Chalk up another victory for state GOP chairman Jim Greer. Michael Steele was elected as the RNC's first black chairman, and Greer served as his whip for today's vote.
With Florida’s help, Steele becomes Republican chairman
With a big boost from Florida GOP leaders, Michael Steele was selected chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon.
Steele, an African-American former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was backed by Florida party chairman Jim Greer and state members of the RNC.
Steele asserted his conservative credentials. But his selection appears to be an attempt to broaden the Republican base to include more blacks, Hispanics and moderate voters.
"We are going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community," Steele told cheering committee members.
Greer and other backers said Steele will restore the party by stressing economic concerns, especially the need to create and retain jobs...
It's Steele!
Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful communicator at a time of political weakness.
“This is awesome,” Steele told RNC members in a victory speech. “It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve.”
...In past elections, the committee has been reluctant to elect a non-member to the chairmanship. But this year marked a departure from tradition, perhaps indicating the strength of the RNC’s desire for change.
“It’s time for something completely different,” Steele said in his victory speech.
...Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was even more emphatic as he delivered a seconding speech for Steele.
“The eyes of the nation today are looking upon us,” he said. “This vote will be the greatest contribution you will have ever made to the Republican Party.”
Greer to RNC: Don’t be stuck in the past
Sun Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel
WASHINGTON -- Republican leaders will select their national chairman today and consider Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale for party secretary.
Florida party chairman Jim Greer, who is pushing hard for Michael Steele of Maryland to become national chairman, sent a letter warning fellow Republicans to focus on the future, not cling to the good old days of the ‘80s.
It was Greer’s way of touting Steele, an African-American contender who represents a break from the past, while stressing the importance of bold change and outreach to minority voters.
Greer paid respect to the party’s heritage and its traditional themes of faith and family values but said leaders must come up with new messages that focus on jobs and the economy.
"Some leaders of our party talk about going back to `something,’" he wrote. "They relish the days when Ronald Reagan was president and the Republican Party dominated the political environment. Those were, my friends, great days, but the Republican Party of tomorrow cannot be the Republican Party of today or even yesterday."
Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
...Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman...
Steele Wins RNC Chair
Chalk up another victory for state GOP chairman Jim Greer. Michael Steele was elected as the RNC's first black chairman, and Greer served as his whip for today's vote.
With Florida’s help, Steele becomes Republican chairman
With a big boost from Florida GOP leaders, Michael Steele was selected chairman of the Republican National Committee this afternoon.
Steele, an African-American former lieutenant governor of Maryland, was backed by Florida party chairman Jim Greer and state members of the RNC.
Steele asserted his conservative credentials. But his selection appears to be an attempt to broaden the Republican base to include more blacks, Hispanics and moderate voters.
"We are going to bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community," Steele told cheering committee members.
Greer and other backers said Steele will restore the party by stressing economic concerns, especially the need to create and retain jobs...
It's Steele!
Former Maryland Lt. Gov Michael Steele triumphed over four opponents in the race for Republican National Committee chairman Friday, giving the party its first black chairman as well as a forceful communicator at a time of political weakness.
“This is awesome,” Steele told RNC members in a victory speech. “It is with a great deal of humility and a sense of service that I accept and appreciate and thank all of you for the opportunity to serve.”
...In past elections, the committee has been reluctant to elect a non-member to the chairmanship. But this year marked a departure from tradition, perhaps indicating the strength of the RNC’s desire for change.
“It’s time for something completely different,” Steele said in his victory speech.
...Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer was even more emphatic as he delivered a seconding speech for Steele.
“The eyes of the nation today are looking upon us,” he said. “This vote will be the greatest contribution you will have ever made to the Republican Party.”
Greer to RNC: Don’t be stuck in the past
Sun Sentinel/Orlando Sentinel
WASHINGTON -- Republican leaders will select their national chairman today and consider Sharon Day of Fort Lauderdale for party secretary.
Florida party chairman Jim Greer, who is pushing hard for Michael Steele of Maryland to become national chairman, sent a letter warning fellow Republicans to focus on the future, not cling to the good old days of the ‘80s.
It was Greer’s way of touting Steele, an African-American contender who represents a break from the past, while stressing the importance of bold change and outreach to minority voters.
Greer paid respect to the party’s heritage and its traditional themes of faith and family values but said leaders must come up with new messages that focus on jobs and the economy.
"Some leaders of our party talk about going back to `something,’" he wrote. "They relish the days when Ronald Reagan was president and the Republican Party dominated the political environment. Those were, my friends, great days, but the Republican Party of tomorrow cannot be the Republican Party of today or even yesterday."
Greer Speaks For Steele As Voting Begins
With voting for a new national Republican Party chairman about to begin, Florida GOP chairman Jim Greer has just spoken to the Republican National Committee, asking them to back former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele.
...Greer considered running for the post himself but ended up as a top campaign strategist for Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, who would be the party’s first black chairman...
RNC Elex Rundown
Couple helpful analyses today in Politico and NBC's First Read on the RNC Chair Election, which is happening now...stay tuned...
Politico: RNC VOTING STARTS AT NOON. CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS IT'LL GO 4-6 BALLOTS, WITH EACH BALLOT TAKING ABOUT 30 MINUTES, BUT IT COULD BE A LOT LONGER OR SHORTER.
First Read: The self-help saying "Today is the first day of the rest of my life" could very well apply to the Republican Party today as it meets in DC to elect a new chairman after its stinging political defeats in 2006 and 2008. There are five candidates: current chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky, Michigan party chair Saul Anuzis, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. (A sixth candidate, former Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman, who distributed the CD with "Barack the Magic Negro" on it, withdrew from the race yesterday.)
The vote offers several mini-themes. There's the referendum on the incumbent Duncan (the vote will likely turn into a race between Duncan and an anti-Duncan choice). There are the candidates' regional differences (Anuzis and Steele are from reliable Dem states; Dawson and Duncan are from solid GOP ones). There's ideology (Blackwell and Dawson are the most conservative candidates; Steele is perhaps the most moderate).
There's race (Blackwell and Steele are black, Dawson once belonged to a whites-only country club, "Barack the Magic Negro"). And then there's the members-only angle (Duncan, Anuzis, and Dawson are RNC members; Blackwell are Steele are outsiders). In fact, that final point could very well swing the election in the second and third rounds of balloting. If Anuzis and/or Dawson drop out, do their supporters bolt to the outsider Steele? Or do they back Duncan, the man they've worked with for quite some time?
*** The Mechanics Of The Vote: The 168 RNC members convene at 10:30 am ET, and here's what follows: They conduct a head count (determining how many members and proxies are in attendance); they determine how the vote is conducted (it's expected to be by secret ballot); they give nominating and seconding speeches; and finally they begin the balloting. To win, a candidate needs a simple majority (so 85 votes out of the 168). There is no cut-off threshold -- for example, if Blackwell finishes last in the first round of voting, he isn't forced out of the contest -- so it's anyone's guess how many round of ballots there will be. Also, the results from each round of voting will be announced publicly. As of Thursday, First Read's survey of the 168 RNC members had Duncan with 44 first-vote supporters, Steele with 30, Dawson at 18, Blackwell and Anuzis at 16 each, and Saltsman (who has since dropped out) at 1.
Politico: RNC VOTING STARTS AT NOON. CONVENTIONAL WISDOM SAYS IT'LL GO 4-6 BALLOTS, WITH EACH BALLOT TAKING ABOUT 30 MINUTES, BUT IT COULD BE A LOT LONGER OR SHORTER.
TOTAL UNCERTAINTY ABOUT OUTCOME ACROSS ALL CAMPS AND OBSERVERS.
First Read: The self-help saying "Today is the first day of the rest of my life" could very well apply to the Republican Party today as it meets in DC to elect a new chairman after its stinging political defeats in 2006 and 2008. There are five candidates: current chairman Mike Duncan of Kentucky, Michigan party chair Saul Anuzis, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, South Carolina party chair Katon Dawson, and former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele. (A sixth candidate, former Huckabee campaign manager Chip Saltsman, who distributed the CD with "Barack the Magic Negro" on it, withdrew from the race yesterday.)
The vote offers several mini-themes. There's the referendum on the incumbent Duncan (the vote will likely turn into a race between Duncan and an anti-Duncan choice). There are the candidates' regional differences (Anuzis and Steele are from reliable Dem states; Dawson and Duncan are from solid GOP ones). There's ideology (Blackwell and Dawson are the most conservative candidates; Steele is perhaps the most moderate).
There's race (Blackwell and Steele are black, Dawson once belonged to a whites-only country club, "Barack the Magic Negro"). And then there's the members-only angle (Duncan, Anuzis, and Dawson are RNC members; Blackwell are Steele are outsiders). In fact, that final point could very well swing the election in the second and third rounds of balloting. If Anuzis and/or Dawson drop out, do their supporters bolt to the outsider Steele? Or do they back Duncan, the man they've worked with for quite some time?
*** The Mechanics Of The Vote: The 168 RNC members convene at 10:30 am ET, and here's what follows: They conduct a head count (determining how many members and proxies are in attendance); they determine how the vote is conducted (it's expected to be by secret ballot); they give nominating and seconding speeches; and finally they begin the balloting. To win, a candidate needs a simple majority (so 85 votes out of the 168). There is no cut-off threshold -- for example, if Blackwell finishes last in the first round of voting, he isn't forced out of the contest -- so it's anyone's guess how many round of ballots there will be. Also, the results from each round of voting will be announced publicly. As of Thursday, First Read's survey of the 168 RNC members had Duncan with 44 first-vote supporters, Steele with 30, Dawson at 18, Blackwell and Anuzis at 16 each, and Saltsman (who has since dropped out) at 1.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Crist - "As Popular as Barack Obama"
From Congressional Quarterly: Florida GOP Gov. Crist Riding High as Re-election Year Nears
“As popular as Barack Obama ” is a label coveted these days by any politician — and maybe even more prized by incumbents of the beleaguered Republican Party who face re-election contests in 2010, the first midterm election year of Democrat Obama’s presidency.
The survey of 1,370 Florida voters taken Jan. 14-19 showed 67 percent of respondents held a favorable opinion of Crist, who was elected governor in the 2006 race to succeed term-limited Republican Jeb Bush. Those who said they disapproved totaled 21 percent, with 10 percent saying they did not know enough to answer and 2 percent declining to state an opinion.
These numbers for Crist, two years into his term, were comparable to those enjoyed by Obama in Florida during his pre-inauguration national “honeymoon.” Obama scored a 66 percent favorable rating in the poll taken in the six days immediately before his swearing-in, well above the 51 percent of the vote he took in scoring a key electoral vote victory in Florida last November. While 48 percent of the state’s voters favored Republican John McCain for president, just 16 percent of the poll respondents said they disapproved of Obama, with 12 percent saying they didn’t know enough and 5 percent declining to answer.
...
But the partisan breakdown on Crist’s poll numbers show that his image as a Republican centrist, particularly on social issues, is helping him build support across party lines. A solid 58 percent of Democratic respondents and 68 percent of independents joined 72 percent of Republicans in approving of Crist’s performance as governor.
“As popular as Barack Obama ” is a label coveted these days by any politician — and maybe even more prized by incumbents of the beleaguered Republican Party who face re-election contests in 2010, the first midterm election year of Democrat Obama’s presidency.
And according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll in Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist is one of those Republicans who can wear Obama-like approval ratings as a badge of honor.
The survey of 1,370 Florida voters taken Jan. 14-19 showed 67 percent of respondents held a favorable opinion of Crist, who was elected governor in the 2006 race to succeed term-limited Republican Jeb Bush. Those who said they disapproved totaled 21 percent, with 10 percent saying they did not know enough to answer and 2 percent declining to state an opinion.
These numbers for Crist, two years into his term, were comparable to those enjoyed by Obama in Florida during his pre-inauguration national “honeymoon.” Obama scored a 66 percent favorable rating in the poll taken in the six days immediately before his swearing-in, well above the 51 percent of the vote he took in scoring a key electoral vote victory in Florida last November. While 48 percent of the state’s voters favored Republican John McCain for president, just 16 percent of the poll respondents said they disapproved of Obama, with 12 percent saying they didn’t know enough and 5 percent declining to answer.
...
But the partisan breakdown on Crist’s poll numbers show that his image as a Republican centrist, particularly on social issues, is helping him build support across party lines. A solid 58 percent of Democratic respondents and 68 percent of independents joined 72 percent of Republicans in approving of Crist’s performance as governor.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
WSJ: GOP Calibrates Role as Opposition
Today's WSJ has a great piece on what's next for the GOP. Read it here, excerpts below.
WASHINGTON -- House Minority Leader John Boehner recently attacked the potential "wasteful spending" and "mountains of debt" in President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. A few days later, he warmly invited Mr. Obama to address House Republicans, saying, "We do not want partisan differences to stall achievement."
The contrast captures the balance confronting Republicans as they enter the opening act of what is likely to be a dynamic Democratic presidency. For the first time in eight years, Republicans don't occupy the White House, making Mr. Boehner and his Senate counterpart, Mitch McConnell, the party's leaders.
The November elections were widely seen as a rebuke to Republicans, and Mr. Obama has claimed the economic crisis as a mandate for action, leaving Messrs. Boehner and McConnell groping for the right blend of cooperation and defiance.
Republicans can't simply be "the party of 'no,'" Mr. Boehner, of Ohio, said in an interview this month, but must offer solutions to voters' problems. "We have to give the American people reasons to take a look at us," he said. Tuesday, Mr. Boehner issued a statement congratulating Mr. Obama on his inauguration, vowing to find "common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe."
...
Republicans say they will adopt different strategies for different bills. While they support elements of the stimulus plan, for example, they are dead-set against "card check" legislation making it easier for workers to unionize, and the parties are likely to wage a heated battle over that issue.
In all these fights, Republican leaders face a central challenge: re-energizing party loyalists while beginning to win back the centrists who just rejected them so decisively.
"You have to be a pragmatist," Mr. McConnell said. "I'm a right-of-center senator, but I'm also pragmatic. I have to deal with the art of the possible."
WASHINGTON -- House Minority Leader John Boehner recently attacked the potential "wasteful spending" and "mountains of debt" in President Barack Obama's stimulus plan. A few days later, he warmly invited Mr. Obama to address House Republicans, saying, "We do not want partisan differences to stall achievement."
The contrast captures the balance confronting Republicans as they enter the opening act of what is likely to be a dynamic Democratic presidency. For the first time in eight years, Republicans don't occupy the White House, making Mr. Boehner and his Senate counterpart, Mitch McConnell, the party's leaders.
The November elections were widely seen as a rebuke to Republicans, and Mr. Obama has claimed the economic crisis as a mandate for action, leaving Messrs. Boehner and McConnell groping for the right blend of cooperation and defiance.
Republicans can't simply be "the party of 'no,'" Mr. Boehner, of Ohio, said in an interview this month, but must offer solutions to voters' problems. "We have to give the American people reasons to take a look at us," he said. Tuesday, Mr. Boehner issued a statement congratulating Mr. Obama on his inauguration, vowing to find "common ground with the President on solutions to rebuild our economy, strengthen American families, and keep our country safe."
...
Republicans say they will adopt different strategies for different bills. While they support elements of the stimulus plan, for example, they are dead-set against "card check" legislation making it easier for workers to unionize, and the parties are likely to wage a heated battle over that issue.
In all these fights, Republican leaders face a central challenge: re-energizing party loyalists while beginning to win back the centrists who just rejected them so decisively.
"You have to be a pragmatist," Mr. McConnell said. "I'm a right-of-center senator, but I'm also pragmatic. I have to deal with the art of the possible."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Annual Meeting News Highlights
Photo Courtesy of Bill Cotterell
Here's how Florida's illustrious political reporters covered the RPOF's Annual Meeting and Chairman Greer's re-election over the weekend. Highlights are below, but we'd be remiss not to note that each reported on the challenges facing the RPOF, including the importance of voter registration, especially among African Americans and Hispanics, and the need to better utilize technology.
The St. Pete Times' Adam Smith got it right, saying "Florida Republicans overwhelmingly re-elected Jim Greer to another term as state party chairman Saturday, in an election that served partly as a referendum on the GOP leadership's focus on moderation and inclusion."
Tallahassee's own Bill Cotterell, who covers both the RPOF's and FDP's inner workings with gusto, notes, "The party's annual meeting drew an unusually heavy turnout of big names — not just for Greer, but for the 2010 U.S. Senate race, as Sen. Mel Martinez of Orlando is retiring and ex-Gov. Jeb Bush has said he will not run for the seat. Despite the loss of two U.S. House seats, one state legislative post and the state's 27 presidential electoral votes, the mood was upbeat as a succession of GOP leaders said party prospects in Florida are far better than in most other states that President-elect Barack Obama carried on Nov. 4. 'Jimmy, I love ya, you're a great man,' Crist said at a reception before the big meeting. 'This is a celebration.'"
The AP's Brendan Farrington reports, "Greer said he will create a 'registration action team' to immediately begin registering voters rather than waiting for the 2010election."
The Miami Herald's Beth Reinhard, who conducted one of the Chairman's first interviews when he was elected at the annual meeting two years ago, notes, "...the party fared better in Florida than in other states in 2008, losing only one seat in Congress and another in the Legislature. Gov. Charlie Crist remains popular, despite the tanking economy," and gets an exclusive quote from The Maestro.
The Herald-Trib's Jeremy Wallace sums up the clear start of the U.S. Senate campaign: "Though GOP quarterly meetings are rarely scintillating events, the buzz from the looming U.S. Senate seat had everyone talking for the two days in Orlando."
"...Apparently Greer’s version of The Kings last No. 1 hit went over alright. On Saturday when the party faithful gathered to vote on a new chairman, Greer won 169 votes to 52 votes for Eric D. Miller, a Martin County Republican."
Monday, January 5, 2009
Interview with Chris Faulkner, GOPGrunt.com
Check out Part 2 of GOPGrunt.com's series, "Lessons from the 2008 Trenches" with consultant Chris Faulkner:
Faulkner: Tell me about Florida?
RPOF's Erin VanSickle: Due to its sheer size, the State of Florida necessitates more than retail politicking—it requires any statewide campaign to have a methodical and energized ground game...
Faulkner: What does Obama’s victory in Florida over the McCain campaign say about the political ground game in Florida?
VanSickle: It shows that this was a perfect Democrat year. The Obama campaign simply had more resources--they out-spent McCain 7-1 in Florida, an extreme TV state where TV advertising is critical to success.
Check out the rest of the interview here.
Faulkner: Tell me about Florida?
RPOF's Erin VanSickle: Due to its sheer size, the State of Florida necessitates more than retail politicking—it requires any statewide campaign to have a methodical and energized ground game...
Faulkner: What does Obama’s victory in Florida over the McCain campaign say about the political ground game in Florida?
VanSickle: It shows that this was a perfect Democrat year. The Obama campaign simply had more resources--they out-spent McCain 7-1 in Florida, an extreme TV state where TV advertising is critical to success.
I would note, however, that because of the Republican team in Florida, McCain came within 21/2 points of winning Florida—which says a lot about the folks who worked tirelessly across Florida on behalf of the Republican ticket....
Check out the rest of the interview here.
Speaker Sansom Resigns College Position
In an effort to keep Republicans updated on the news during this week's Special Session, please see Tallahassee Democrat article below.
Sansom Resigns College Job
House Speaker Ray Sansom is resigning his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College, he said to open the Legislature's special session this morning.
Sansom, a Destin Republican, has been under fire for $25 million he steered to the college last year when he was budget chief in the House, revelations by the St. Petersburg Time of communications he had with the college's president and secretive meetings that resulted. His new job at the college was announced on the day he assumed the post leading the House in November.
"This has not been an easy decision to make," Sansom said to start off special session, asking members to allow him personal remarks.
...
"Unfortunately, some have disagreed with my decision to work at the college. While I do not question their motives, I strongly object to their conclusions," Sansom said. "In all my years in public service, I have sought to act in a manner worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me."
However,
Read more here
Sansom Resigns College Job
House Speaker Ray Sansom is resigning his $110,000-a-year job at Northwest Florida State College, he said to open the Legislature's special session this morning.
Sansom, a Destin Republican, has been under fire for $25 million he steered to the college last year when he was budget chief in the House, revelations by the St. Petersburg Time of communications he had with the college's president and secretive meetings that resulted. His new job at the college was announced on the day he assumed the post leading the House in November.
"This has not been an easy decision to make," Sansom said to start off special session, asking members to allow him personal remarks.
...
"Unfortunately, some have disagreed with my decision to work at the college. While I do not question their motives, I strongly object to their conclusions," Sansom said. "In all my years in public service, I have sought to act in a manner worthy of the trust that the people have placed in me."
However,
"I will not and cannot allow any controversy over my position at the college to divert our focus."House members gave Sansom a standing ovation at the end of his remarks.
Read more here
Monday, December 29, 2008
ICYMI: CNN Political Ticker
From the CNN Political Ticker: "Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody"
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
NOTE: 'Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the 'racially-insulting song.'
'As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days,' he said. 'I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior.'
'Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party.'
Most of Saltsman's Republican rivals slam Obama parody
From CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand
(CNN) – Republican Party reaction remains divided over the decision of a candidate for party chairman to distribute a CD that featured the parody tune “Barack the Magic Negro,” with the majority of Chip Saltsman’s political rivals criticizing the move.
Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan – battling to keep his job as head of the party – was the first prominent member of the GOP to criticize Saltsman for sending committee members the song.
"The 2008 election was a wake-up call for Republicans to reach out and bring more people into our party," RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said in a Saturday statement.
"I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think this is appropriate, as it clearly does not move us in the right direction."
Michigan party chairman Saul Anuzis also questioned Saltsman’s judgment. "In my opinion, this isn't funny and its in bad taste," he said in a statement. "Just as important, anything that paints the GOP as being motivated in our criticism of President-elect Obama by anything other than a difference in philosophy does a disservice to our party."
Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer – who has reportedly been weighing a run for the party’s top spot, but has not officially announced a bid — released a Monday morning statement praising candidates who have weighed in against the "racially-insulting song."
“As the GOP Chairman in one of our nation’s most ethnically and culturally diverse states, I am especially disappointed by the inappropriate words and actions we’ve seen over the past few days," he said. "I am proud of those party leaders who have stood up in firm opposition to this type of behavior."
"Actions such as the distribution of this CD, regardless of intent, only serves to promote divisiveness and distracts us from our common goal of building our party."
Saltsman sent RNC members the parody CD "We Hate the USA" for Christmas, which includes the controversial tune. He defended his decision Friday, telling CNN the song was clearly intended as a joke.
Read more here.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
ADL Appauds Local GOP's Rejection of White Supermacist
December 4, 2008 - 1:40 PM
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Palm Beach County Republican Party's refusal to recognize Derek Black's election to one of the county Republican Executive Committee seats. In addition to failing to sign the Republican Party of Florida's loyalty oath, Derek Black has an irrefutable long history as a white supremacist and is a rising star in the movement.
Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL FL Regional Director, issued the following statement:
"Although white supremacists typically reject being labeled as such and prefer to say that they are pro-white, it is indisputable that Derek Black is a racist who believes that whites are smarter than non-whites, superior to non-whites and deserve to be treated differently and have more privileges because they are white. Derek Black has been attending white supremacist gatherings since he was ten years-old when he even had his own section on Stormfront to promote white supremacy to other children.
As recently as November 8th, Black was one of the keynote speakers at a white supremacist conference sponsored by former Klan leader and anti-Semite David Duke and his organization EURO (European American Unity and Rights Organization) in Memphis, Tennessee. A number of white supremacists, including Derek's father, former Klansman Don Black, racist radio show host James Edwards and Canadian racist Paul Fromm, also attended the conference."
Read more here.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) applauds the Palm Beach County Republican Party's refusal to recognize Derek Black's election to one of the county Republican Executive Committee seats. In addition to failing to sign the Republican Party of Florida's loyalty oath, Derek Black has an irrefutable long history as a white supremacist and is a rising star in the movement.
Andrew Rosenkranz, ADL FL Regional Director, issued the following statement:
"Although white supremacists typically reject being labeled as such and prefer to say that they are pro-white, it is indisputable that Derek Black is a racist who believes that whites are smarter than non-whites, superior to non-whites and deserve to be treated differently and have more privileges because they are white. Derek Black has been attending white supremacist gatherings since he was ten years-old when he even had his own section on Stormfront to promote white supremacy to other children.
As recently as November 8th, Black was one of the keynote speakers at a white supremacist conference sponsored by former Klan leader and anti-Semite David Duke and his organization EURO (European American Unity and Rights Organization) in Memphis, Tennessee. A number of white supremacists, including Derek's father, former Klansman Don Black, racist radio show host James Edwards and Canadian racist Paul Fromm, also attended the conference."
Read more here.
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