First, I'm extremely unhappy with the direction the Republican Party seems to be going,
Second, I'm a conservative Christian and I have strong sympathy for the core convictions of many of the Constitution Party's leaders, and
Third, I'm quite aware of the precedent of the Whig Party and I don't want to totally rule out the possibility of a third party destroying one of the two existing parties of American politics.
However, for those who are prepared to jump ship and vote not only against Romney but also against the whole Republican ticket, read this post and then take a second and third look at what you're doing: http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/2865260/posts?page=162#162
Counting the cost before starting a project is a biblical imperative.
As I said in the post referenced above: “Here's the main problem with applying that precedent to the Constitution Party: single-member winner-take-all voting districts... The problem in the United States is that in most state and local elections (West Virginia's multimember districts being an important exception) the only thing that counts is having enough votes to get to 50 percent of the voters, or in some cases not even an absolute majority is needed and all a candidate needs is to get the largest number of votes... If we as conservatives are going to talk third-party, recognize that we need to count the cost. That cost is very steep, and while some argue it could be a good idea long-term, for the short- and medium-term, it could easily get President Obama re-elected, turn the House of Representatives back over to the control of the Democratic Party, and cost numerous Republican senators their seats.”
Very thoughtful post, DM. You spell out exactly the hurdles an individual must cross in order to convince himself/herself that building a new party is a good idea.
I crossed those hurdles. Additionally, I’m convinced that there is no changing the liberal control of the republican party.
Those things shouldn’t be just soundbites, either. It requires making actions speak louder than words. It requires presenting the case for change to others. It requires old-fashioned shoe leather work. Finally, it has to be seen as a long-term approach.
In some case, a tipping point could be reached that moves a new party along much more quickly, but a reasonable person will realize they are working now for a future payoff. I’m of an age where it could be after my life has run its course.
A wise man builds his house upon a rock.