What makes a Republican?

One idea that does unite Republicans across the ideological spectrum is a faith in the wisdom of the people and a corresponding distrust of the idea that government, even a government led by Republicans, always knows best. Republicans from all points on the political compass should be pleased that influential party leaders like Richard Lugar, George Voinovich, and John Warner are raising questions about the Administration's prosecution of the war in Iraq and the larger battle against global terrorism. Republicans should be pleased when conservative party leaders like Newt Gingrich are willing to question the President's allegiance to bedrock conservative principles. Leaders in and out of government, representing many different ideological perspectives, should be praised for giving voice to the concerns of the people, even when others in the party may criticize them for breaking with the White House. That kind of outspoken political independence is what Republicans have always believed they were sent to Washington to represent.

The mission of my organization, GOPAC, is to find and develop the next generation of Republican leaders. Leaders at the state and local level who are comfortable with new ideas and the practical political skills to bring those ideas into the political debate. Leaders with the political courage to resist easy stereotypes and empty rhetoric. Republican leaders anxious to bridge the gap between ideology and action. Republican leaders just like those who have defined our party for more than a century.