Contributed by Scott Brooks, CD-5 resident and party activist

Only the other day I found a voicemail in my box inviting me to a Republican Party town hall meeting with State Chairman, Ron Carey for this evening on the hill in St. Paul. What, with the discontent floating around since November's defeats and Senator Norm Coleman's nuanced position on the surge, I thought it would be a good thing to attend this meet and listen to what Republicans are saying.

First off, I was surprised to see that this was not a roomful of the usual faces. Doug Daggett, my colleague in Uptown Minneapolis party activity was in attendance, but I didn't know any other names. There was little to no surprise, however, to hear the grievances. These people are disappointed in state Republican leadership. There is a discontent that Republican candidates and elected leaders are watering down the party message and running on a DFL-lite platform.

The main issue seems to be Senator Norm Coleman's lack of support for the surge in Iraq. And of course, there was the obligatory grousing about that other surge, the surging support for a statewide ban on smoking.

Credit must go to Chairman Carey for his skills as a listener. The participants never smelled blood in the water never going for his throat to avenge the lost adherence to conservative principles. I would characterize the meet as very positive in nature. The criticisms were, in the final analysis, positive...always a sign of good health in a political organization. A polling sheet was distributed, asking for participants' opinions on the three most important issues facing our country, facing our state, asking for a grade on how well the party is performing as well as other evaluation questions. All of this left attendees with a very real
perception that our opinions and ideas matter.


Money quote from Chairman Carey; "We've got to do more than simply rely on Republicans to cast their votes for GOP candidates. We've got to have people who passionately get out there and work for winning. And I tell our elected officers that if they can't take a stand that the base agrees with and is energized by, then when the time comes that they call out to charge the hill, they just might turn around and find that no one is following."

The question I heard asked a couple of times was; "What do we have to do to get their attention?" Someone suggested returning financial contribution mail with a handwritten message that there will be no money unless conservative principles are touted.

I had a chance to talk with Ron Carey face to face after the meeting was concluded. He points out that while Republicans have a tough line to haul, Democrats have their own problems as well. He says there is no doubt that Norm Coleman will be the party's nominee for U.S. Senate.

These are tough times we're living in. Politics is the art of compromise. But if the battle for Iraq is the most important front in the Global War on Islamic Fascism, doesn't winning that battle trump party loyalties, as Hugh Hewitt claims it does? How does one compromise on that issue while strongly defending our country and our liberties? I can say that I believe Senator Norm Coleman, despite his nuanced position on the surge, is in favor of victory in Iraq. That is a stark contrast with candidate Al Franken's position.(?)

But where's the passion? I think all Minnesota Republicans want to see Senator Coleman benefit politically from victory on the battlefield in Mesopotamia. The Republican rank and file believe he can do that because they are still optimistic we can win in Iraq. We want Senator Coleman to take a strong stand refusing to buckle to perceived political pressure.

That passion is what we all ache for. Give us a reason to fire our passions and we'll take the hill by storm.

Guy Collins (SD-45A) has been posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance. He concludes the series with:

Pride Perspective Perseverance (Part V - Perseverance)
 
Based on the election results a week ago Tuesday, where do we go from here?  The consensus  is that conservatism won last Tuesday, while Republicans - fat and happy, drifted from the platform, and snubbed the constituents - lost.  So its easy, and obvious to state that the party has to return to its conservative roots and conservative platform. 
 
But I also agree with Michael Barone that a "return to conservatism" has to be more than pining for the Reagan Revolution or hoping for another Contract with America.  As Mr. Barone has pointed out, many of the problems outlined during these lionized eras have been solved for the most part.  Michael stated that there currently is a vacuum of ideas, and the winners will be people who articulate and promote new ideas that resonate to voters across party lines. 
 
I agree with Michael Barone.  We need a return to conservatism, but conservatism strongly influenced by new ideas on topics such as:

•  Significant tax system  alternatives
•  A comprehensive immigration policy (no, border enforcement alone won't fly with the majority of voters in this nation)
• Market-driven research and development of alternative energy sources
• Choice and freedom for individuals in their retirement savings plan 
• Parental choice and alternatives in education
• Hillary-care (just kidding)

In closing, I'd encourage people to get involved in the process, to increase awareness of communities and neighborhoods of issues that impact them.  We live in dangerous, serious times, and leadership at every level of government does matter.  I know I'm excited about the upcoming work to do, and I look forward to joining my friends in the effort. 

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will post his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Pride Perspective Perseverance (Part IV - Perspective)
What do the results form the recent election mean, on a state and national level?  

I believe at both levels there is a consensus among activists and pundits that on Tuesday, while Republicans lost fairly big, conservatism did not lose.  Cases in point include Michele Bachmann in MN CD 6, and the success of the marriage amendment again in 7 of 8 states,  successful eminent domain-curbing legislation, and so on. 
 
While the defeats were discouraging, they could have been even worse if the volunteers nationwide in the 72 hour GOTV effort had not done an excellent job in turning out known Republicans.  Sadly, too many of these people that we did turn out ended up voting against the Republicans. 
 
The most discouraging part of the results was the loss of great candidates -  people who have, and would continue to,  fight hard to serve  ALL people.  Sadly these public servants got swept up in this mini-wave of anti-Republican revolt.  I'm not talking about people like George Allen- who by all accounts ran a poor campaign, or Lincoln Chafee - "don't let the Republican door hit you where the good Lord split you", or even Mark Kennedy, who was fighting a steep uphill battle from day one, in a race that would've been tough for any candidate to win, even in a Republican neutral race. 
 
I'm talking about people like Rick Santorum, who was unfairly, and frequently, savaged for saying what he believes and sticking to it (the horrors!).  What is under-reported (surprise) is that he was a bi-partisan champion for the less privileged in America and abroad, doing way more in his few years as a Senator, than liberal heroes like the late Paul Wellstone and Ted Kennedy have done in their entire careers. 
 
I'm also talking about a wonderful woman named Mary Kiffmeyer, who worked harder than any public servant I know, excelling in her job, traveling to every nook and  cranny of this big state, to educate and motivate ALL voters - yes, even including dark blue places like Duluth, inner city Minneapolis, and St. Paul.  She gets rewarded by being replaced by a former communist who is proclaiming to "protect your vote"  We'll need to wait and see if the "your" he's referring to includes illegal aliens. 
 
I'm also talking about people like Pat Andersen, Jeff Johnson, and Phil Krinkie, who in their past have excelled in their jobs, and have been largely non-partisan (Andersen even was endorsed by the Star Tribune).  The saddest part about this, I believe if people knew more about these candidates, they would have fared better.  Again. part of their loss is due to  anti-Republican sentiment, but also, I believe the state party could have used their financial and human resources much more wisely in supporting state candidates.  Here's hoping our party sees the opportunities and adjusts for them in 2006.  The difficult pat is, once lesser known constitutional offices are lost, its difficult to get them back, until you have a party wave like we experienced this year.  People just don't take the time to know or care about what these office holders do.
 
But the silver lining is, by all accounts, the local and national activists and pundits are fired up and rededicated, vowing to redouble their efforts to bring true conservatism back in the mix between 2006, and 2008.  I'll post more on that upcoming in "Pride, Perspective, Perseverance, Part 5 - Perseverance"

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will be posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local). This is a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Grass Roots Leaders and Volunteers (Pride Part 3)
I am PROUD of the grass roots organization in our state, and their tireless work even in the face of often grim / daunting reality. As Diamond Dog said, people could just give up and go watch TV, or spend more time with their friends or family. But, as DD also said, we can't give up. The stakes are too high. As Rush Limbaugh recently stated, "We must be recommitted to communicate and educate. Recently, we've thought the conservative education process was complete. The conservative education process is never complete."

If I tried to name everyone who deserves recognition here, I'd surely miss some people, but I'll point out some great role models for activism:

• Carole Christianson - who worked tirelessly to plan so much of the SD 45 work, then stepping up to do so many things when there wasn't anyone else to perform the work. The MN state party would be in great shape if we had a half dozen Carole Christiansens in each district.

• Folks such as Len Thiede, who are willing to go above and beyond in raising money for local candidates; having the big-picture / long-term vision of Republican party presence and expansion within the district, regardless of the current term prospects.

• Ron Stocke - who put some common sense organization and execution into place regarding lawn sign programs

• My wife Anita - picking up many activities for the Brigham campaign (as if she doesn't have enough to do with home schooling, raising 3 kids, and managing our household).

• Andy Aplikowski & the Northern Alliance Radio Network (and the rest of the blog / talk radio new media coalition): leading the charge in transforming communication and education via new media, while diminishing the old media's importance, and holding old media and opposition candidates accountable.

• Grassroots guys such as Rob Hewitt and Scott Brooks, working tirelessly to promote the conservative cause, despite facing long odds and sometimes even violent hostility in the belly of the Minneapolis beast. Guys like these are true soldier/heroes in the fight to save our traditional conservative way of life, and in keeping our nation strong and secure.

Stay tuned for Perspective - What do the results really tell us? What can we do better?

Over the next few weeks Guy Collins (SD-45A) will be posting his thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local). This will be a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance.

Local Candidates (Pride Part 2)
I am PROUD of our new local candidates in SD 45: Derek Brigham, and Sara Durenberger. Both entered the race fairly late; both did yeoman's work, learning as they went since this was the first venture into politics for both of them. On top of that, they had to shoulder a lot of the strategic and tactical load, since they didn't didn't have a developed SD 45 campaign structure or experience base to rely upon, and received little help from the state party.

Its easy to look at the results and be discouraged, especially after working so hard. These candidates (and all local candidates) need to know this year's results weren't a reflection of their efforts. It was a horrible national environment for Republicans.

I believe many of the voters just irrationally said: "I'm mad at Bush and the direction of the Iraq war, and corruption in DC, therefore I'm voting for the alternative party, whether the race is US Senator, state representative, or even a soil and water commissioner." It makes no sense, but unfortunately this is the illogical sentiment I believe ruled the day. I honor these candidates and appreciate all their work - so much of it going unnoticed. I strongly encourage them to stay involved in building the party in future years.

Stay tuned for Pride Part 3.... Grass Roots

Guy Collins (SD-45A) offered some excellent insight after the November 7 election:

Over the next few weeks I'll post some thoughts on the '06 elections: national, state, and local, (with more of a tilt toward the local) I plan to do this in a multi-part series with the theme of Pride, Perspective, and Perseverance. Or to put it another way:

I'll start with some notes on why true conservatives at every level should be proud. Here goes.....

Pride
I am very PROUD to be a conservative Republican in Minnesota. I am proud of what true conservatives in our party stand for, and and their integrity, demeanor, intelligence, and spirit. I am proud of how they work tirelessly to educate and communicate conservative ideals.

Graciousness and Humility in Defeat (Pride Part 1)
I am PROUD of how our party faithful, candidates, party leadership handles itself in defeat, in contrast to the opposition:

1) we don't blame the other party for lying or scare-mongering, or pandering to the fringe "extremists";

2) we don't complain about election fraud, or "stolen elections". We don't make these claims focal talking points every time the election results are brought up historically. (BTW- its not for lack of material to investigate - see ACORN, Philly fraud, etc).

3) we don't drag the country through weeks of shady partisan recounts and lawyering. See Burns in MT and Allen in VA. Both were well within the range of a state-paid recount - neither has asked for one. Both accepted defeat graciously, and have helped the nation move on. (Note: kudos to former AG Hatch in MN for not asking for a recount - give credit where its due).

A US Senate recount stakes would've been huger. A gain of a couple thousand votes, and a related Senate seat would've allowed Republicans to retain control of the Senate. Ask yourself: would Schumer, Reid, Gore, Kerry, etc. concede, in the same position? HA! Oh yeah, algore, I painfully remember you've already answered that for us.... gee thanks.

4) we don't ask "what's wrong with those stupid, hayseed, knuckle-dragging, Christianist voters? And more importantly, how can we marginalize them or remove their voice from the public square?"

We instead hear and respect the voter's voice, and say, "what did WE do wrong, and how can WE fix it to win the voters back, or to inspire them to vote for us?"

5) we are rational enough to calmly and coolly assess the damage, but also assess what worked, in this cycle and in the past, then determine what is a winning strategy in the future. This is opposed to the liberals':

Stay tuned for Pride Part 2.... Local candidates

I joined our BPOU in 2006, and was honored to be a part of a great group -- including hard-working SD-45 chairs and fellow delegates. I had the privilege to volunteer for several excellent candidates: Derek Brigham, Gregg Prest and Sarah Durenberger. Even though Republicans lost the majority in the state and nation, this is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our team and candidates for 2008.

St. Paul will be host to thousands of GOP delegates and candidates at the '08 Presidential Convention. Now's the time for us to regroup and recharge. You can be a part of this exciting election year, by joining us for our precinct caucuses on February 5, 2008. Go to our web site to learn what caucuses and BPOUs are all about, and how you can be a part of the process!

With your help, SD45 will become stronger -- and this blog will be be your sounding board for opinions and input. Come back often and please email me with your suggestions and comments: SD45_MN *at* yahoo.com (edit address to the @ symbol when mailing).

- Nancy