…and the people shall decide

December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll 

Republican Sample Ballot - 2/5 Primary
Image by programwitch via Flickr

I have been thinking about the debate about the Republican Party’s balance between the conservatives and moderates.  Some say we need to broaden our message and focus and avoid being too conservative while others insist that Republicans need to move toward the middle.

I think the matter should be left up to the people.

That is a concept often forgotten in today’s focus on party leadership.  If someone wants to see a focus on conservative issues they should either run for office or encourage someone who shares their views to do so.  The people in a state or legislative district can then make their views known through the Primary Election process.  That is the essence of self-government.  If an elected official strays from the message they stood for prior to election the same people can certainly hold that person accountable in the next election cycle.

The same goes for the party platform.  If the Republican Party platform is not to your liking plan to attend the 2010 Republican Caucus, county, district and state conventions and let your voice be heard.  Our current platform was determined by the people in the past 2008 cycle.

Republican leaders should honor the choice of the people and help Republican candidates win in the General Election.  Those leaders can certainly advocate for certain platform issues just like any other citizen.  However, once the Primary is over it is time for all Republicans to come together and work for victory in the General Election.  County and state leaders should set an example.

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