THE UNRESOLVED DEBATE OVER THE GOP’S TWO STRATEGIC CHOICES

Delaware Politis ^ | October 18, 2012 | Jonathon Moseley

[Moseley]

Much of what is happening in the Delaware Republican Party is driven by two sharply-conflicting strategies for how to win elections. In a Democrat-dominated State with 297,112 registered Democrats (47.4%), 180,542 registered Republicans (28.8%) and 148,695 registered “Other” (23.7%), how can a Republican win?

STRATEGY # 1 (the Echo Strategy): For a Republican to win (other than in a GOP dominated R.D. or if no serious Democrat is running) the Republican nominee must be similar to a Democrat. If the voters like Democrats, then the Republican must also be just like a Democrat.

STRATEGY #2 (the Difference Strategy): To attract Democrats and Independents, a Republican must offer something different – a choice. Voters who want what Democrats are offering will simply vote for the Democrat. They can vote for the real thing, not an imitation of a Democrat.

Reagan won two landslides running on a strategy of “Bold colors, no pale pastels” following the theme “A Choice Not an Echo.”

Strategy #2 accepts that a Republican can only win if some Democrats are disaffected and vulnerable to persuasion. So if Delaware’s 297,112 Democrats (47.4%) are happy with their nominee, ain’t nuttin gonna get a Republican elected. That’s life.

But “a choice not an echo” offers a ghost of chance. Ronald Reagan proved that a clear contrast can peel away enough Democrats to win.

The Echo Strategy (#1) is simplistic. Someone who goes to all the trouble to register Democrat will probably vote for their own party. Democrats need a compelling reason to cross over and vote against their own party.

The Echo Strategy never considers WHY a Democrat might vote for a Republican. It just assumes that Democrats will inexplicably vote for a copycat.

[OldNavyVet]

Converted Democrat here ... ever since King Franklin the First.

[Moseley]

NOTE

THIS IS AN EXCERPT ONLY

PLEASE GO AND READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE, where I get into the details.

[Gaffer]

If this is your article under your control, why have you elected to divert FReepers to another site?

[elpadre]

stay true to your conservative colors and let the chips fall where they may.

do not be a one issue voter.

yes, those statements are compatible

[Ray76]

STRATEGY #3 Adhere to and promote the principles you (Republicans) claim to support.

This is the problem with the Republicans: they mouth the words. It’s just rhetoric not principle.

For example they don’t oppose PPACA on principle or goals, just implementation. Witness the “repeal & replace” plan of Romney. On this as on so many issues, they differ from Dems only in that it’s your plan not ours.

[campaignPete R-CT]

Strategy #3 (the biography strategy)

DEL is small (LOL). Local pol develop following based on town govt service. Could lead to effective US House race or Guvner. Then Senate.

If a dolt like Castle can go statewide, a smart conservative can do it. But ya gotta hold office first and move up methodically, not start yer career with a Senate race.

[Moseley]

Strategy #3 (the biography strategy) DEL is small (LOL). Local pol develop following based on town govt service. Could lead to effective US House race or Guvner. Then Senate. If a dolt like Castle can go statewide, a smart conservative can do it.

This is an excellent point. That would be the strategy I would follow for my own campaign if I were running or while running any one else's campaign. That would be the best way to go. However, there are few problems with that approach:

1) Your Strategy #3 requires planning ahead years down the line or at least being very involved and active in the community, not just a little part of it but a very wide range of the community both geographically and by sectors or circles. Most people don't plan very far ahead. THey wait and jump in at the last minute to a campaign.

2) Although Delaware is small even Delaware is not THAT small. It is fairly hard to become that well known on a personal / friendship basis. It can be done. It should be done. But even Delaware is probably too big to become that well known.

[campaignPete R-CT]

not too many high profile GOP locals

http://auditor.delaware.gov/biography.shtml

R. THOMAS WAGNER JR.-DELAWARE’S STATE AUDITOR