I keep seeing little signs that the Republican party is headed for a major civil war in the next few years. Log Cabin Republicans head Pat Guerrero is correct in stating that the battle is on for the heart and soul of the Party. We are only seeing minor rumblings among moderates and principled conservatives right now, but I think in a few years we might see outright rebellion.
The latest rumbling takes place in Colorado where Republican Rebels are seeking to find a way to organize and take back the party from the far right. They are upset at the war in Iraq, the administration's lack of fiscal discipline, and its hard right social agenda.
I really think that come 2006 or 2008 we will see sensible Republicans take on the far right in an all-out civil war. It will not be pretty, but I think it might finally result in a pragmatic center-right party that will work for all Americans and not just a few.
Thanks to Tony Dorsano for pointing this out to me.
Posted by Dennis at September 20, 2004 09:37 PM I too see a tremendous fight coming in the republican party. Here in Oklahoma the factions are forming and the battle lines have been drawn.
One such sign is the enthusiastic support here for forming a Log Cabin chapter.
Another is the formation of an in party group of moderate to liberal christians calling themselves the Christian majority against the wrongs of the right.
We are working together to take back our party and yet take control of our state from the Democratic party machine which has ruled Oklahoma since 1893 uninterupted
Success in taking Oklahoma from the democrats appears imminant. In fact I can say with confidence that we will capture at the very least the state house this year. The state senate will be very close either way.
Our battle for the heart and soul of the party is underway too. One positive developement in that regard is the number of moderates who are registering republican and joining our more moderate groups.
The libertarian part of our party is growing exceptionally fast too. (Oklahoma state law makes it almost impossible for libertarians to run as a separate party). thus the libertarians here are joining us in droves. I too look for a huge shift in 2006.
Robert A. Hayes
Posted by: Robert A. Hayes at September 24, 2004 12:26 PM