Conservatives: Get Behind Sarah Palin

Some conservatives -- not many, but some -- have "problems" with Sarah Palin, mainly because she's a blend of conservatism, libertarianism, and populism. Those conservatives need to get over it, because Sarah Palin can be for Republicans the Second Coming of Ronald Reagan.

Yesterday in her remarks, Gov. Palin cited the Alaska Constitution, which is a populist document she's sworn to uphold. Among other things, it says that the resources in Alaska belong to the people of that state -- not the oil companies, not Wall Street firms, not the most affluent Alaskans.

Some conservatives, not many, are horrified by that notion. I've heard people say that Sarah was mean to the oil companies, which in Alaska and elsewhere, have a history of heavy-handedness, arrogance, and bribery. (I worked for two oil companies, Phillips and Gulf, both of which had engaged in handing over bribe money to politicians.)

Six-out-ten Americans identify themselves as NOT conservatives. What are we going to do to get their votes (not to mention the many conservatives who voted for Obama)? If our answer is "nothing," then we have lost our minds.

On immigration, the notion that Hispanics voted against McCain because he was a supporter of the McCain-Kennedy bill is ridiculous. I wish it were true, but there is no evidence Hispanics believed Obama was anything but pro-amnesty.

Overall, McCain was a much more conservative candidate than Obama and Palin was a much more conservative candidate than Biden. We can determine that by looking at McCain's American Conservative Union vote analysis, up around 75--80%, and then looking at Obama's, down around zero (as was Biden's).

In the election of 2008 and to a lesser degree in 2006, Hispanics punished candidates, almost all Republicans, whom they perceived as anti-Mexican or anti-Hispanic. Hispanics are the largest minority group in America, and to win national elections, we must get more votes from them.

Our outreach to Hispanic Americans has been pathetic. When a strong CubanAmerican candidate surfaced in Florida, Marco Rubio, the head of the Republican Senatorial Committee (John Cornyn) rushed out to support Rubio's opponent (Charlie Crist). Crist would be replacing the one Hispanic Republican in the Senate (Mel Martinez).

There is no greater challenge facing Sarah Palin than the need to reach out and gain a significant percentage of Hispanic votes. She must never adopt positions that are perceived (by Hispanics) as anti-Hispanic.

Pro-Palin, Pro-GOP Site Launched

Those people who think that winning elections somehow displays a lack of "principle" will be agitated by an important new blog site: "The 80% Solution." Groups that consistently lose elections soon find their principles have become politically irrelevant. The following is a short excerpt from the first column, which I hope you'll visit often.

80% Solution, Pro-Palin Groups

Cindy Reidhead, this site's developer, and I will be sending out some information this week about our new web site called "The 80% Solution." It's based on an important statement by Ronald Reagan: "The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally - not a 20 percent traitor."

It will be pro-Sarah Palin but will not be "anti" other possible Republican candidates. It will solicit columns from bloggers who agree generally with the "80% Solution," as well as from some national writers, such as Elaine Lafferty, Tammy Bruce, and others. The site will take a dim view of those who practice "single-issue" politics or demand ideological rigidity from candidates. People who advocate "circular firing squads," including those enamored of the destructive term "RINO," will not feel comfortable at "80%."

The site will have pieces from people who identify themselves as conservative, moderate, or liberal, as well as pro-choice and pro-life.

People who are pro-Obama should stay away

Here's the link:http://the80percentsolution.typepad.com/the_80_solution/2009/03/80-solution-propalin-groups.html

SARAH PALIN TO BE KEYNOTE SPEAKER @ HOUSE-SENATE DINNER!

NRSC & NRCC

Chairs Announce Gov. Palin to Keynote Senate-House Dinner
Monday, March 16, 2009
NRSC Press Office

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), and U.S. Representative Pete Sessions(R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), announced that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote address at the annual Senate-House Dinner to be held on June 8th at the Washington Convention Center:

“Governor Palin has quickly emerged as one of the most popular and recognizable faces in the Republican Party, and we are honored to have her deliver the keynote address at the Senate-House dinner. As a proven leader in her home-state of Alaska, Governor Palin represents a breath of fresh air from the business-as-usual crowd in Washington, and is one of our Party’sup-and-coming young governors who will play a critical role in our re-buildingefforts in the years to come. Last fall, she electrified and energized crowds across the country, and we expect she will generate a similar amount of enthusiasm at this spring’s dinner.” – NRSC Chairman John Cornyn

“On behalf of Congressional Republicans, it is a pleasure to announce one of the brightest rising stars in the Republican Party, Sarah Palin, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Senate-House dinner. Gov. Palin’s conservative values, commendable achievements in Alaska and the sheer energy she personifies make her one of the most compelling visionaries of our Party. With respect, admiration and enthusiasm, I look forward to welcoming her to Washington and await the inspirational address our Party needs, as it rebuilds and prepares for a victorious election cycle.” – NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions