From where I sit in the crow’s nest of “The Mayflower Commentary”, I am able to gaze across the vast ocean of politics, and as a result of that view, I humbly offer four recommendations, as we embark on a new year, on how to improve the GOP in Massachusetts. The operative word improve, in this case, means to win elections.

#1. Consider 2010 a priority year, a time to step out and put yourself on the front lines, an eleven month span to the day in which to act. There seems to be a confluence of events that are bending favor in our direction. Folks in general appear to be “fed up” with what is happening, at both the federal and state levels. The current Governor has proven disappointing, even and perhaps more importantly, especially to his base. Taxes seem to be multiplying like swamp mosquitos and the Obama Administration continues to push hard for more governmental entitlement programs.

With a favorable wind blowing, we need to act. As Marshall Horwitz, Vice-Chairman of the Holden Republican Town Committee says, “Do what you enjoy.” Simple. Straight forward. Marshall points out that if everyone does something he enjoys, whether that be making phone calls, holding a sign, calling into talk radio shows or writing letters, then the work that needs to be done will get done. The catch is that every Republican needs to quit complaining and moaning about the state of affairs and instead, do something constructive.

#2. “If you and another Republican agree on 90%, then forgive the other 10%”. State Representative Jeff Perry, astutely spoke those words on October 26, 2009 at a joint meeting of the Princeton and Holden RTC’s. No two people believe exactly the same, and there is not one candidate with whom anyone would agree with everything “under the sun”. Many times Republicans get caught up in that which divides and forget about the shared core value of fiscal responsibility.

#3. Be civil in your manner of speaking. Incendiary language has no place in Massachusetts politics. Republicans should be leading the way, setting good examples as it were. If our goal is to gain leadership positions, then we should be speaking as honorable, upstanding citizens, being cognizant not to use words meant to inflame . Jeff Jacoby of the Boston Globe wrote an article titled, “New adventures in incivility”, published the last day of 2009. In his piece, Mr. Jacoby muses how maltreatment of the opposition on the American political scene is common and even expected. He concludes with this pessimistic thought. “Gross and abusive rhetoric was a hallmark of the 2000’s. I shudder to think how low public discourse will go in the 2010s.” (12/31/09, p.A15). Work to prove him wrong.

#4. Focus on the fiscal. Drop the social issues. In order to win seats in the Legislature, candidates must appeal to Independents and will also need the full support of Republicans. Abortion and gay marriage divide. Fiscal conservatism unites.

In conclusion, my fellow GOP Mates, to start the New Year and the new decade, let’s swab the deck, heave the anchor, hoist the mainsail and get under way, and as sailors in the U.S. Navy say to those setting out on a voyage, “Fair winds and following seas.”


http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/12/31/new_adventures_in_incivility/
Jacoby, Jeff, “New adventures in incivility.” Boston Globe 31 Dec. 2009: A15.


Perry, Jeffrey Davis. My GOP . East Sandwich, MA: Perry Books, 2009.