Hey, every state could use another Reagan, but that's not going to happen. There was only one of him and there will never be another like him. But, like you said, we do need more of those individuals who can make a broad-based appeal without selling out the farm on principles. What was highly disappointing in KS's last gubernatorial election was that there was a candidate who could've united the wings (rather than the fractious primary that saw a Conservative win (who was kneecapped by not only the sore-losers in the primary, but also by the unhelpful outgoing RINO Governor)), but opted not to. That was 1st district Congressman Jerry Moran. What is always so infuriating is having excellent POTENTIAL candidates, but seeing them not rise to the occasion. We have had an exceptionally lousy recruitment cycle this year (races totally winnable, but we end up defaulting to the 'Rats).
"Where such leaders come from, I don't know. But in principle, there's no reason why there can't be someone like that. It needs to happen statewide, though."
Those leaders can just about come from anywhere. Often there are many natural leaders in the business world, but many don't want to subject themselves to media anal exams or ugly primary (or general) contests (especially when they'd have to take such a dramatic pay cut). One prime example of someone is taking a chance is Herman Cain, CEO of Godfather's Pizza, taking a run for the GA Senate seat. Cain is Conservative, has an excellent message and the experience from the business world, can preach like he's at a church revival, and best of all, is African-American. These are the types of superstar candidates we need to recruit from coast to coast for the GOP.
Occasionally a businessman rises to the occasion, but usually they're duds. There is a reason, after all, why they went into business instead of public life. They liked it more, or they liked money more.
What we need are people who dedicate their lives to politics, either from the beginning or at midlife after making a clean break from their previous career. While occasionally a Reagan-level talent may allow someone to start out running for a high office, most often a new person will have to start small, running for state legislature or even a lower office. This requires staying power and discipline. Even Reagan did not start from scratch. He had previously campaigned for candidates, made speeches about free enterprise at GE plants, served as the president of a union, fought communists in Hollywood at some risk to his life. When he ran in 1966 for the first time, he was no amateur.
Recruitment of strong candidates is a function of party morale more than anything else. If people believe the GOP is doing something important, or close to doing something important, they will take the gamble and run. If not, not.