Sunday

A new, revitalized Iowa Republican party

Iowa Republicans should focus on three key areas to begin winning elections again:

1) Lincoln’s words about a “house divided” are as true today as when they were spoken. Our party was born in the 1850’s out of a need to unify the country. Social conservatives and fiscal conservatives must come together. They really are after the same thing—they just have different approaches. Fiscal conservatives focus more on building strong communities. Social conservatives emphasize strong families. Iowa needs both.

2) We must reach out to fellow Republicans, Independents and Democrats. Fourteen percent of Iowa Republicans voted Democratic in 2008. We must welcome back disenfranchised Republicans—Tea Party People, Ron Paul Supporters and others. Then we must bring our message of optimism and opportunity to every working class neighborhood, every disaffected union household, every farmer, every business person, every friend and foe alike and invite them to join our cause!

As usual, Ronald Reagan had it right.

“I want the record to show that I do not view the new revitalized Republican Party as one based on a principle of exclusion,” Reagan said in a remarkable 1977 speech. “After all, you do not get to be a majority party by searching for groups you won’t associate with. If we truly believe in our principles, we should sit down and talk."

3) We must become the party of ideas, solutions and openness--not petty politics and negative campaigning. This is perhaps the most important point. When we approach things from that standpoint of coming up with conservative solutions to the problems facing Iowans—making Iowa the best in the world in key areas—people will vote for our candidates every time.

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