You know what I’m talking about here – I’m talking about the next Chair of the NH GOP, and about the direction this Party takes over the next couple of years, too. While we’re at it, consider these arguments when thinking about the next NH RNC Committeeman.
Here’s where my thinking takes me on the subject:
Recent Republican History
Republicans lost their way, somewhere between “read my lips”, immigration "reform", David Souter, rare stamps, the "New World Order", No Child Left Behind, NAFTA/CAFTA, and “sure, TARP sounds like a good idea.” And to be honest, both Bush Presidents were closet-globalists.
It’s no wonder we’re angry; angry with Obama and the Progressives, then angry at those who didn’t push government growth and spending back to 1850-levels BEFORE Obama and his minions got their hands on the national checkbook.
As a country, we are fiscally screwed, upside-down, and inside-out, and so many Republicans in DC helped mix the mortar of the concrete shoes Obama just put on us, ever-so-ready to give us a little shove off the pier. Honestly, I’m not sure there aren’t a couple of RINOs standing by to help him do it.
We needed better than that then, and we need better than that now.
To me, Gov. Sununu smacks of this era – being dead-center in GHW Bush’s staff and NH Governor – a virtual life of politics. He can make claims to appreciate these “new Republicans” to the obedient press and even invite a couple of “safe” activist groups into his tent, but I honestly don’t get the feeling that he fully appreciates the active, liberty-oriented crowd. Our problem is that we say what’s bothering us, and we aren’t afraid to call anyone out – Sununu and RINOs, or anyone who doesn’t follow the Conservative path. If you think about it, that’s the Tea Party community’s biggest contribution to the game – someone had to finally do it. And Gov. Sununu’s just never took steps to make us feel like he’s in OUR tent.
If he were smarter about this, he would have offered a powwow caucus, making nice with us all a long time ago (pre-election) – and it probably would have worked out for him. Now, he’s whining to the press about us being “divisive” when we simply dare to challenge fellow Republicans – those days are long gone, Governor.
And so, Juliana is his hand-picked, endorsed successor. She could be Mother Theresa, but she’s John Sununu’s Mother Theresa, which rubs me the wrong way.
Party Experience (more after the jump….)
Party Experience
Some say that Jack has a lack of experience in party activity. I’ve heard these people ask “where was Jack 2 or 3 years ago, when we were running the party at the town and county levels?” If you want to use that argument, you have to exclude Senator Kelly Ayotte (who was busy being AG), a little more than one-third of the current New Hampshire House of Representatives and a similar percentage of the Senate (who were busy being activists), most of whom were not party players until only recently.
This is a lame argument, and shows a lack of validity in the rejection of Jack as a candidate; actually, I think his lack of party experience is appealing – he is not beholden to anyone and owes no favors – clean slate. A qualified staff will more than cover the inside baseball groundwork.
To be honest, two or three years ago, Jack was fertilizing the seeds of the Tea Party in New Hampshire, sticking his neck (and business) out pretty far, motivating others to get involved and leading by example.
Republicans should feel free to thank him any time, as he helped light the ceremonial fuse of the cherry bomb that went off in the Democrats’ faces last November.
Actually, Jack does have Party experience – the party that proudly waves the Gadsden and Culpepper.
Next argument?
Fundraising
Another argument is fundraising. I keep hearing that Jack can’t raise funds. I’d really like to know what that claim is based on. He raised over $100,000 for his gubernatorial campaign, in an environment where John Stephen had the establishment support (in NH and DC) from the day he declared his intent to run. Funny, Kelly Ayotte had the same good fortune. Don’t get me wrong, I like Kelly and John fine enough, but they seemed to benefit from “favorite child” status from the start of the primary. Don’t even get me started on Charlie Bass…
Jack’s statewide campaign for governor primed him, exposing him to many people and organizations around New Hampshire and among the nation. There’s also his 32-year business network experience across New England. All of this sets the stage for a successful fundraising climate, in a Tea Party Presidential cycle, no less.
Here’s another thing – consider all grassroots money that DIDN’T go to the GOP this cycle, and how much of will flow into the party if Jack were chair. It’s likely that that money will stay outside the party, going to activist groups and candidates themselves, if Jack isn’t chosen. Actually, the activists groups may feel a little pinch if Jack does get elected. I’ll be the first to contribute.
One last point to make here: There’s the argument of whether money or bodies win elections. Obviously, you need some of both to win, but a lot of hay is made about fundraising. In my world, you need more bodies, boots on the ground, and activists – an army – than you need money. If you disagree with me, ask Anne Kuster what she thinks – all that money and she couldn’t even beat Charlie Bass.
Show me the recent Cheshire County Republican Committee financial statements, or keep trying.
Establishment versus Grassroots
In case you missed it, the tint of the Republican Party in NH has recently changed, lurching toward the Conservative-Libertarian quadrant since the election of Barack Obama (case in point, Paul Hodes’ pathetic “I’m a fiscal conservative” commercial). Across the nation, and here in New Hampshire, the Tea Party (along with 9/12 and other organizations) should take a lot of credit for this. I believe they called it “Astroturf” at one point.
The New Hampshire legislature has changed along the same trend line. Consider the fact that 32% of our Republican-controlled House is new and activist-centric this year, all without the assistance of term limits.
With this change, there has been no better time to select a grassroots chair for the NH GOP, who best reflects the party’s new personality, with the ability to excite and energize its burgeoning, eager base.
Let’s move on, shall we?
Activism and Reputation
Some say that being the GOP Chair is about “managing”. Ok, I’ll buy that. Looking at Jack’s background, I see that he is President and Founder of Great Bay Facility Services, Inc., in Portsmouth. Jack started Great Bay in 1998 and currently has 40 employees with customers in three states – argument over.
Jack also started the Granite State Patriots almost 4 years ago, and has been a loyal Pease Greeter during the past few years. He may not have been a party apparatchik, but he sure has been active in other valuable and worthwhile political and Patriotic activities.
Have you heard him give a speech? No contest.
Candidate Recruiting
See Fundraising.
Also, it should be pointed out that the GOP (and Gov. Sununu) cannot take anywhere near the credit they are taking for the recruiting efforts this cycle – many people did it on their own, panicked, fed up and frustrated with everything. Grassroots did this, not party magic. Once again, consider the money that flowed into candidates directly, versus to the party – this election was won from the BOTTOM, not the TOP.
Still trying?
Enforcement
Here’s a serious situation: there are dozens of Republicans who ran last November who don’t even come close to following the NH GOP Party platform – and some of them even won if you can believe it – I’m talking about outright pro-abortion, gay marriage advocates, and big-big-spenders.
I’m not going to name names here, but that leads directly to my point. How are we going to vet better candidates and begin to nudge out the RINOS (especially the uber-RINOS)? Hell, Howard Dean could file as a Republican in NH and get on the primary ballot if he wanted to – and would receive equal treatment alongside true conservatives. What does the party plan to do about such people – a handful of which are not far from Dean’s political philosophy?
Who do YOU think would even come close to tackling this issue? Who would establish a policy of vetting and enforcement, for the members who have proven themselves to be WAY outside the lines – some for decades?
It’s a “big tent”, but do we have a party platform, or not?
Done.
(Photo Credit: natureartists.com)
