Pondering the Republicans

There’s more Republicans can do to get back on top. They should take the lead on the immigration issue and come up with a clear and unified stance against immigration. They should go against the President on this issue and hold strong to their beliefs. Republican leaders should also challenge the President on issues like mail privacy, and guest logs at the White House. The minority party and the party of less government must always call for transparency and protection of the people’s rights. This includes a fierce confrontation with former Republican leaders who were involved with ethical scandals. Republican leaders should adamantly call for the prosecution of Mark Foley, and other elected leaders who broke the law while in office. This will show they are serious about ethics and corruption overhauls, and shed light on Democrats like William Jefferson (bribery) and John Murtha (ABSCAM scandal) who have ethical issues of their own. Finally, the Republican members must avoid the age-old temptation of bringing up same-sex marriage, abortion, and stem cell research. These issues are no longer winners for Republicans, and they should not publicly advocate for, or argue against them.

The Republican leaders need to face the facts. The Democrats showed up for the fight more prepared, more determined, and better armed. They handily took control of the House and were just a few thousands votes away from winning at least a dozen more seats. They shocked everyone by retaking the Senate and picking up the majority of Governor’s mansions and State Legislatures. Clearly, their campaign work and the people’s desire for change showed up on Election Day. The party of small taxes, small spending, pro business, pro security, now needs to show up if they want to win anything in two years. The Republican Party must take this latest punch with grace and courage, and then bounce back off the floor and be willing to sit down at the same table with the enemy. Republicans must work together with Democrats if they want to see their constituents helped, their country improved, and their party back on top in 2008.