Lessons from Election 2005
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'Just a Woman' commentary - link to windows media player audio
I’m still reeling over Tuesday’s election results. I’ve read both conservative and liberal analysis of the election. But, I have to admit that one of my favorite posts was Hugh Hewitt’s open letter to the Governor of California.
To quote Hugh, who quoted Nixon: you can’t win with just the conservatives but you cannot win without them.
If there’s a lesson to be learned from this election as well as this last political season esp. with regards to the from the Harriet Miers debacle, THIS is it. You can’t presume on the conservative base. It’s not merely about having that “R” tagged on to the end of your name; it is about standing and fighting for conservative core values; it’s about “living it” to quote Hugh again.
As much as it may hurt, I would much rather the pendulum swing in the other direction in order for conservatives to figure out what they stand for and then “live it.” We would never have gotten George Bush if we hadn’t lived through the Clinton Era…just like we would have never been blessed with Reagan if the nation hadn’t been fed up with Carter.
This reality, however, does not justify conservatives staying home for any election. We bear the responsibility to stand for our values as much as we expect our representatives to do likewise. While I don’t believe that Prop 73 (which proposed parental notification for a minor going in for an abortion) is a partisan issue, I am disappointed that conservatives and Christians did not show up en masse to make a statement: not about abortion but about parental rights. THAT is a shame on us.
As we head into next year’s fight, my hope and my prayer is that we take to heart what just happened this week. Conservative politicians can’t take their base for granted. But, the base had better wake up. Conservatives and liberals have let the family and minor girls down this week. I cannot help but think of Edmund Burke’s admonition: “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” When good conservatives and liberals do nothing, we all suffer.
I pray that the lesson of the 2005 election is not wasted. We have one year to learn it. Let’s live it.
http://justawoman2005.blogspot.com/2005/11/lessons-from-election-2005.html
Isn't Mike Murphy one of Arnold's top political guys? And, isn't this the same Murphy that ran McCain's 200 primary campaign? If I'm correct, then I'd say that's a place to start to replace a guy bent on trying to win on a RINO strategy.
Hugh keeps writing things like this, and I may have to start listening to him again.
RE: Ask Bruce Herchensohn to spend a couple of days a week in the offices, as a "minsiter without portfolio." You don't have to do a thing he recommends, but there is no more respected figure on the California right than Bruce. Associated with Bruce, but also with Reagan, is Ken Khachigian
Yep!
Loved your post and follow up writing. We have been taken for granted by the "Country Club" republicans, ridiculed for our beliefs, and betrayed by incompetent leadership when the going gets tough. California is invaded, along with many border states, and is no longer recognizable as a US state. The majority of people in California reject the American model and ideal. They reject the laws of the central government and hold people that love America in contempt. They hold our constitution in contempt. They are the children of treason. And they are legion in America. Our leadership, that we supported and worked for don't seem to care and don't fight to stop it. The President doesn't seem to have the stomach for a fight or perhaps he doesn't see how desperate Americas situation really is. I really don't think he holds that much in common with us. It is time for serious reflection on the part of Conservatives as to where we go from here and, more importantly, how we get there. Thanks for a great and thought provoking post. BTW, there are no "good" liberals.
1) That conservative politicians can't take their base for granted.
2) That conservatives can't impose their will or effect the course of political events if they don't exercise their franchise.
From my perspective some very sound advice but also not particularly pertinent to the circumstances in California.
California certainly has a Republican as governor but not a conservative by either of the two widely accepted definitions; paleoconservative or neoconservative. Schwarzenegger would be better described as a progressive or a reformer. The fact that he is registered as a Republican didn't help the turnout on Tuesday. Few conservatives, beyond Republican Party loyalists, will follow where Schwarzenegger wants to lead. No leader, therefore no followers, therefore no turnout.
Should conservatives in California have voted and cherry picked there causes? Yes. Was the leadership of the CAGOP or the Schwarzenegger administration a cause for conservatives to participate? No. Many California conservatives may have asked. What will be the result, even if my causes succeed in this election, when the results will be left in the hands of the likes of Schwarzenegger and liberals to implement?
This is a very interesting post and one that the whole GOP needs to read. I can think of about 24 "Republican" senators who need to take this advice seriously themselves.
Great post, and good for Hugh Hewitt.
Many tactics were used to suppress the vote,
from union strongarms to FR 'hopeless' posts.
Shame on anyone for not voting.