The GOP "Crack-up": Another Perspective...

OK, I've written in the past about all the debating back and forth between various factions in the current Conservative coalition as to who's betraying core principles and who's most responsible for electing Republicans and who's gonna be sorry if this group or that group suddenly says, "That's it, I'm picking up my marbles and going home".

Most of the criticism lately has been coming from the direction of the Libertarians. Patrick Hynes of Ankle-Biting Pundits takes a swipe back in their direction. Getting right to the heart of the matter, Hynes makes some very good points.

"I have worked on dozens of Republican campaigns for high public office and never once, not one time, did I ever sit in a strategy session dedicated to formulating an appeal to the libertarian wing of the party. Conversely, I have never been on a campaign in which we did not devise strategies to communicate with and recruit conservatives, whether they be pro-lifers, anti-taxers, guns rights folks, or Christians. What IÂ’m saying is that if the libertarians walk away from the table, the party will be a whole lot less principled, but weÂ’re not likely to lose a lot of votes."

Hynes is quick to point out that the kind of "don't take us for granted" whining is also exhibited from time to time by other factions in the coalition, particularly the Religious Right. But he explains that, considering the number of votes they control, they at least have the clout to make the "ground shake" when they want to be heard. To that point, he summarizes what he feels Libertarians need to do if they really want to make their presence felt. It's one thing to sit back and huff and puff about principles, but to make a real impact, they need to do more than talk.

"[S]o Ryan Sager, Glenn Reynolds and a few other disaffected libertarians decide to walk out on conservatives? I love those guys, and I, for one, would be sad to see the libertarian-right split from the coalition. But I must say, the movement will go on...

...The libertarian-right needs to organize. Hold monthly meetings of like-minded groups. Call it the Alliance for Limited Government. Or something. Force would-be members of Congress to sign a free-market, civil libertarian pledge before they can earn an endorsement or procure choice lists. These are the fundamentals of political organization. And if the libertarian right were to put them to use, the next time they start talking about a “crack-up,” GOP leaders will sit up straight and take notice.

As I've said before, the fact that these different ideas can be even up for discussion is a credit to the current state of the Republican party. It's what got them in power and what will keep them there if they can keep their eyes on the big picture. And it's something Democrats only wish they had.

Hat Tip to Lorie Byrd at Polipundit

UPDATE: this morning (9:35am 4/6/05): Here

Posted by: Gary at 11:02 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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