What Republicans really need to do to win local, state or the Presidential race in 2008, is to clearly define what Republicans stand for in the mind of the public.

We need to get away from "lifestyle" issues such as "gay" anything and abortion. We need to focus on what people really care about when they are in fear of losing their jobs or not being able to afford college or a trip to the doctor. To that end, we must convey to the public how the core Republican concepts of:

1) Less Government
2) Less Taxes
3) A Commitment to Personal Responsibility

will make their lives better.

It will be a tough row to hoe because we've failed at it.

We do not have less government. We do not have less taxes. And, the concept of personal responsibility is a distant memory in this litigious society. And while Republican insiders can spin the numbers talking about "inflation adjustments", and "net tax decreases"  …  the average working person looks in his/her wallet and says, "I'm not convinced."

Those in charge of setting the political tone of our Republican campaigns must get in touch with "Joe Six-Pack".  I suggest skipping a few of those prayer breakfasts and city council meetings and dropping by a few soccer matches, high school basketball games, festivals and blue collar bars. There, you'll get the "Non-Rose Colored Glasses" view of what's on the minds of real voters. It's not politics ... it's survival.

Local party people need to get this insight and trickle it UP to the next level and so on until State Republican Party leadership finally gets the message and passes it on to national Republican leadership:  Real people don't care about politics. They care about survival and a better life.

By and large, most people don't mind working for a better life. But Republicans have done a poor job of allowing them to keep more of what they work for. Why? Because we've failed on the 3 core principles outlined above. The three core principles that, if actively pursued, could make a real difference. The kind of difference that would make people feel safer about their future. The kind of difference that would make them once again, be willing to contemplate other Republican issues such as abortion, gay rights and 2nd amendment rights.

It's time we as Republicans rethink, regroup and refocus on making good on the promises of our core values. I believe I speak for many when I say, "I don't want hope for the future. I want action today …  that will lead to results for the future."

Republican's need to get in touch with what's on the minds of everyday folk.

Focus on everyday folk. If we can convince them, we can beat DEM.

Warm Regards,
Michael Crooks
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