Sacramento Bee political editor Martin Smith wrote recently that Ronald Reagan has been the “superglue” that has held the conservative movement together for 20 years. Of course, Mr. Reagan also has ben the “superglue” that has held the Republican Party together since 1980. But the president will be leaving office soon, so perhaps it is time Republicans begin considering the future of their party.
In this issue, New Jersey Governor Tom Kean says that the GOP must not look for another charismatic personality to provide unity, but rather base its growth upon ideas. And Ripon Forum editorial board member Steve Klinsky argues that progressive Republicans have much to contribute to that growth. In a review of Richard Reeve’s book, The Reagan Detour, Klinsky outlines four theme which progressive Republicans can use to broaden the GOP. Lee Auspitz also claims that unless Republican Party officials pay closer attention to party rules, Democrats will have the largest say on the structure of Republican delegate selection in 1988.