Ripon Forum


Vol. 44, No. 4

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Editor’s Note: In This Edition

by LOU ZICKAR

Ripon Society Holds Post-Election Briefing to Review Mid-Term Results

WASHINGTON, DC — The Ripon Society hosted a breakfast briefing on Thursday, November 4th to review the results of the mid-term elections and discuss the reasons Republicans had, electorally speaking, one of the most successful years in the history of the GOP. The breakfast featured some of the leading political minds in Washington, including: Congressman […]

“What Do We Do Now?”

“Simple, unadorned ‘opposition’ is mistaken, from both the policy and political perspectives.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“Stop this spending spree.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“Extending tax cuts isn’t a political slogan – it’s an economic necessity to our country.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“We expect Republicans to be focused on the People’s agenda, not the party’s agenda.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“Be Brave.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“This is the moment for Republicans to define our party once again…”

On This, We Can Agree

After a divisive election, the Maine Senator argues that Republicans must focus on the many issues that unite the party.

Working Together in a Partisan World

With Washington divided by the political extremes, the former New Jersey Governor makes the case for across-the-isle problem-solving.

A Recovery Shipwreck: Can it be avoided?

At one level, the politics and the economics of 2010 appear daunting. Pundits claim that the recent election will only divide government, the two major political parties can’t get along, and government shutdown will be the only real issue discussed.

Divorce and the Deficit Commission

Stacy relates the reasoning behind why voters divorced from the Democratic party to that of a marriage; “They divorced the Democratic Party over more than money. It was also the uncertainty caused by intrusive, coercive fiscal policies.”

The Case for Michigan

Sandy discusses the underrated importance of the state of Michigan, pointing out a correlation between the state and the country as a whole saying, ” The challenges faced by this great American city and this storied state are the precursor to the challenges of our nation. As goes Michigan goes America.”

A Lesson in Job Creation from the Hoosier State

Jay discusses the success of Governor Daniels, and brings up the question of whether or not he will throw his hat in the ring of the 2012 Presidential elections. “During the last decade, Tommy Thompson and a crop of innovative GOP governors proved that some of the nation’s best policy innovation comes from the states.”

Republican Heart and Soul: The Definitional Battle for the 2012 Presidential Nomination

“In recent history, presidential aspirants win by leading ideological factions to dominate their party, while simultaneously attracting independents to their candidacies.”

The Coming Generational Shift on Capitol Hill

“When Republicans won control of the House of Representatives on November 2nd, it represented not just a partisan shift on Capitol Hill, but a generational shift, as well.”

Ripon Profile of Tim Scott

“I believe that the people should control their own destinies, not the federal government, and I will fight for the fundamental values and rights on which our country was founded.”

“What Do We Do Now?”

“Be Brave.”

Angry voters have stormed the gates and demanded change. The message: the economy is in bad shape, we’re hurting, government isn’t working, President Obama’s policies aren’t helping, and Congress is inept. Oh, and did we mention that we’re very mad at you?

Despite President Obama’s warnings that they would drive into the ditch, Republicans were given the keys to the car. Voters did not send crystal clear policy directions, but they did provide some important clues on where to head. Here is a roadmap:

They’re just not that into you
Voters broke up with the Democrats, but they’re only asking Republicans on a date, not contemplating marriage. They dislike both parties equally. One in four who expressed a dislike for Republicans on Election Day voted for them anyway because they weren’t the Democrats in charge. Independent voters who supported Democrats by a 57%-39% margin in 2006 shifted this year to Republicans by a nearly identical margin, but they’re fickle. Republicans have an opportunity to make a good impression, but they don’t have an invitation to the family reunion.

Shrink government

While the Obama-Pelosi agenda for the past two years has significantly expanded the role of government, the majority (56%) of Election Day voters believe government is doing too much, while only 38% think government should do more, a significant shift since 2008 when 51% of Election Day voters favored a more activist government. The devil, of course, is in the details of how and where to shrink government.

Voters broke up with the Democrats, but they’re only asking Republicans on a date, not contemplating marriage. They dislike both parties equally.

A number of Republican candidates believe they were elected to Congress on their pledge to repeal Obamacare. Realistically, repeal is unlikely, and in a recent USA Today/Gallup poll only Republican voters rate it the highest priority for Congress. The GOP base will expect a vote, but keep in mind that many of the provisions, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions and drug benefits, remain popular.

Republicans have the opportunity to do what the Democrats will never do.

Turn the economy around
President Obama said the election results showed that he failed to communicate. Voters think he failed to listen. Loud and clear, election results demonstrated that people are suffering in this economy and they want it back on track. For the first time since exit polling asked voters their most important issue, those citing the economy (62%) chose Republicans over Democrats.

A tale of two Virginians

In 2009, two conservative men were elected to statewide office in Virginia. One took his resounding win as governor as a mandate to manage well. Governor Bob McDonnell has avoided contentious, highly polarizing issues and focused on the economy, turning a deficit into a surplus and keeping Virginia’s unemployment rate around 6%, well below the national average. His job approval rating is in the mid-60s.

The other man, Ken Cuccinelli, has spent his time as Attorney General telling state universities to roll back anti-discrimination policies against gays and issuing subpoenas to a University of Virginia scientist and climate researcher in an attempt to prove fraud.

Choose the McDonnell path.

Be brave
A plurality of Election Day voters believe life will be worse for the next generation and these voters broke two to one in favor of Republican candidates. If Republicans are to be serious about reducing the deficit and staving off a decline in America’s stature and way of life, provide some cover for incoming House Budget Chair Rep. Paul Ryan. He has dared say what few will: entitlements must be reformed.

A recent Bloomberg national poll suggests the Tea Party will have your backs on this: a majority support raising the age for Social Security and Medicare benefits. Republicans have the opportunity to do what the Democrats will never do.

Christine Matthews is the Founder and President of Bellwether Research and Consulting. Her clients include Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.