Final Thoughts on the RPI Vote
January 14, 2009 by Danny Carroll · 2 Comments
A few days have passed since the vote for a new State Chairman by the Republican State Central Committee last Saturday. By now most observers know that Matt Strawn was elected by a vote of 10 to 7. I was honored to be a part of that process and of course disappointed with the results. I really thought I had nine votes as the committee prepared to convene Saturday morning. However, one person who had said he would vote for me changed his mind. Another member of the committee voted for Matt without saying anything thus the 7 remaining votes.
While I am disappointed and I feel bad for the hundreds of supporters that worked on my behalf, I do believe things have a way of working out. We cannot know the future and I still have faith in our system of government. I know it is frustrating and inefficient. People fuss and fight with one another. But through it all our state and nation has survived. Our system of checks and balances seems to be effective in both party party politics as well as government. Just the fact that we had significant competition for the chair position was a good thing.
I may have fallen short in my quest for State Party Chair but I am not ready to quit the fight for conservative values. The next few weeks and months will allow some time for reflection as Joy and I consider the future. I wish to thank everyone who contacted central committee members on my behalf. I was truly humbled by the support I received.
Finally wish Chairman Strawn all the best as he takes over leadership of the party.
On Party Unity
January 2, 2009 by Danny Carroll · Leave a Comment
I read a letter to the editor in this morning’s Des Moines Register about Republican Party renewal or reorganization. The letter, by Chris Atchison from Iowa City, applauded Maggie Tinsman for her proposal of an agenda that is “open and inclusive”. Mr. Atchison laments those social conservatives that refuse to compromise their beliefs.
This ongoing tension within the party is perplexing because we all know that in order to advance any agenda we must be successful at the ballot box. At the same time we understand that party members are usually motivated by closely held beliefs and philosophies that allow for very little compromise. So what are we to do? How can we be united when we are so divided?
This problem is not unique to the Republican Party.  Almost all organizations are made up of individuals and small groups that are passionate about their cause. Those who are successful find a way to bring their members together as a team.
The answer I think has a lot to do with respect. As a member of the House Republican Majority Caucus for twelve years I worked with dozens of fellow Republicans that did not share my views on abortion, marriage, family, taxes, spending, health care, gun control, gambling and the list goes on. But we always knew that we had to come together in unity in order for any of us to advance the causes we cared about. We worked together whenever we could. When issues separated us we continued to show respect even if we were to be working and voting against each other. We knew another day would come when we were together on a different issue.
Mutual respect comes from trust. Trust comes from transparency, wisdom and consistency regardless of how often or how loud it is expressed. Respected leadership will bring unity and unity will advance our conservative agenda, broad and inclusive as it may be.
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The Iowa Republican Party and Technology
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll · 2 Comments
There has been a lot of talk lately about the use of technology in politics. I think what is meant most often by “technology†is the use of websites, YouTube, Facebook, email lists, Twitter and the like. To be sure these are fascinating new ways of communicating. But they are just that….ways to communicate. They are inexpensive, timely, convenient and less vulnerable to manipulation by journalists.
The new State Republican Party Chair must have a passion for and familiarity with current communication technology. He or she must, however, not make the mistake of thinking that technology alone will win elections. Ideas and people win elections.
Communication technology is a tool in the campaign tool chest. To the extent a candidate can effectively communicate her/his message they will gain votes. Republicans especially have a compelling message of conservative, traditional values. The more people we can reach with our message and the better able we are to communicate that message the more victories we will see.
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I’m Danny Carroll…and I’d like to serve as Iowa’s Republican Party Chairman
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll · 1 Comment
I have expressed an interest in serving the State Republican Party as its next Chairman.
I look forward to the forum to be held on Saturday December 27th. I admire the effort the committee has made to allow for an open and fair process in the selection of the new Chair.
It will be challenge for the Republican Party of Iowa to overcome the adversity of recent years. But we have been able to do so in the past and will again in the future.
I think it is important that the new chair bring County Chairs and the State Central Committee together in a more inclusive process. There is too much work to be done just to leave key players out of the communication loop. With email, conference calls and the like communication should not be a problem. Travel to Des Moines is not always necessary.
For example many ask about the new Executive Director. The State Chairman usually chooses the new director and informs the committee. I think a sub-committee headed up by the State Chairman should receive resumes and letters of interest from applicants for the position and conduct interviews. That sub-committee then would make a recommendation to the full central committee. This would allow for a healthy process and hopefully result in someone who has a strong base of support from the central committee and Chairman as soon as they start the job. Such a process will continue the practice of open and meaningful communication.
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…and the people shall decide
December 26, 2008 by Danny Carroll · Leave a Comment
- 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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