Having endorsed Jennifer Horn for Congress in the past election cycle, and after seeing an unfortunate split of the 2nd District Conservative vote, I, like many others, have wondered where she goes from here.
Like other worthy Conservative candidates who did not win their elections, but have so much to give and have determined to continue the fight (Ovide Lamontagne, Jack Kimball, John Stephen, etc.), Jennifer has not faded away into the political mist; she has been visible, carrying her message, helping other candidates in their efforts, and providing a political and social leadership among the sprawling, diligent and willing active-Conservative community.
Jennifer’s actions have consistently been about "the message" and the issues, not about herself, power, her adversaries, or her political opponents. That message is the one of a brighter American future for us, our children and their children, manifested in the wrangling of daunting fiscal risk, coupled with the only good "recession" there is: a receding government, which can only mitigate waste, corruption, fraud, and the slow but steady theft of our individual liberties.
This is what the GOP stands for; at least this what the Conservative side of the GOP stands for – which brings me to my point: the GOP, particularly in NH, seems to be having an identity crisis, between the long-standing, well-positioned, established class of members, and the new, burgeoning and impatient class of Conservatives who want to make hay in the name of saving our State and our Nation.
I count myself as one of the burgeoning class – and I am thrilled with the massive success the GOP has experienced lately. I am heartened by the number of regular citizens who stepped up to run, and won their elections. I am also heartened by the number of similar "regulars" who gave much of their time, effort, and fortunes to help their neighbors get elected.
In spite of this activism, the people of New Hampshire did not necessarily show their love and support for the GOP this time around; they showed their disdain for the Liberal and Progressive policies, and decided to give "the other guy" (the only other party) a fair shot at balancing the table – this is the Republicans’ game to lose. Frankly, without the Conservative, so-called "Tea Party" class getting involved to help push the wagon, I’m not sure it would have turned out so well.
So, honestly, I’m not sure if the GOP can "keep it", to borrow a phrase from Ben Franklin. I doubt this because I don’t think the established GOP is being truly honest with itself. Sure, it is safe to assume that the long-standing participants in the GOP community are grateful for what happened in November, and that they realize this is a golden opportunity. But I can’t help thinking that they have the huge potential to fall back into "old ways", if not in reality, at least in perception.
When I don’t see the established class fully embrace "those New Republicans" (as they have been called by people of considerable influence), I get concerned. I can only imagine that they fear the loss of power and control, having to share the fruits of their labor after so many years, with these Johhny-Come-Latelies; I can understand that, it’s human nature to protect what is yours. But, after the results of November, the established GOP would be wise to do more to address the contributions of this new class, welcoming us average citizens with truly open arms.
This is what it means to be fully honest with yourself as an organization. Appreciate the support you received, and include those who have supported you – open arms is always better than arms-length – and you will be better and stronger for it.
Earlier, I mentioned "perception". The world we live in is full of judgment by perception – the "court of public opinion" – and it takes very little for the wrong impression to be made in this media-intensive world, especially when the opposition controls much of that media. It is vitally important that the GOP have a strong voice that stays on-point, but can also put a human touch on it, making it easier to understand and to accept; after all, Conservatives only want to make things better. Unfortunately, after years of Progressive rule, it will be a painful journey, full of mis-perceptions and twisted messages.
The GOP must become the "party of the people", not one of concentrated power and control, or country-club wisdom; the appearance they make will determine if that is possible.
If they aim to avoid this trap, the GOP must select a valid, appealing, and honest spokesperson for the Conservative message, and they must represent the "new" direction of the GOP – the one the people of this State were willing to take a chance on. In fact, this so-called new direction is really the direction of the original GOP, but the party lost its way somewhere and needs a slight course-correction – with a resolute hand on the rudder.
Jennifer Horn is THE best person I can think of who can do this for us.
