It's My Party Too: Weblog

Victory Caucus Targets Conservative Republicans

Heather — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:06:00 PST

Some folks on the right have taken the initiative to found The Victory Caucus, whose mission, in part, is to defeat those Republican Congressmen who voted for the resolution expressing the Congress's dissatisfaction with the president's troop surge. Comparing themselves to MoveOn.org, the group explains that these Republicans, dubbed "White Flag Republicans," are ripe for defeat.

Here at IMP-PAC, we took a look at the American Conservative Union ratings of the 17 Republicans who voted against the surge. Does the right wing really want to defeat these guys?

Ric Keller (FL) - 96%
John Duncan (TN) - 92%
Phil English (PA) - 88%
Howard Coble (NC) - 84%
Bob Inglis (SC) - 84%
Walter Jones (NC) - 80%
Fred Upton (MI) - 80%
Ron Paul (TX) - 76%
Tom Petri (WI) - 72%
Steve LaTourette (OH) - 71%

All other members registered below 65%.

Metro Republicans

Heather — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:41:00 PST

The Weekly Standard has an interesting (and light hearted) piece called The Rise of the Metro Republican which explains how the GOP presidential field is currently dominated by urban, somewhat moderate Republicans.

Here's a paragraph from the article:

So there they all are--a hawkish war hero who holds Goldwater's seat but who charms independents; a Mormon from Michigan who will run his campaign from North Boston; and a pro-choice New Yorker who thrills southern social conservatives--all trying to be Reagan's heir. And let us recall that Reagan himself was a complex enough figure: a man who was divorced and remarried (as are McCain and Giuliani), a former film star and a recovering Democrat, from Illinois by way of Hollywood, who signed a liberal abortion bill while governor of California, was comfortable with gays in his film making milieu, and once even backed the New Deal.

Here's a link to the full article.

How the GOP Stacks Up in New England

Heather — Thu, 8 Feb 2007 15:53:00 PST

An important lesson from the 2006 election is that the Republican Party has a lot of work to do in New England states. This region of our country is too important to simply write it off to the Democrats. Just yesterday the American Research Group took a poll gauging how the Republican candidates for president are doing in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut. Here are the results:

Republicans

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Far-Left Group Rails Against Moderation

Heather — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:09:00 PST

In case you thought it was only far-right Republicans that demanded total ideological purity – think again. The Hotline reports that far-left activists are coming together to form a new group called They Work For Us. The purpose of the group is to raise funds for far-left candidates who will challenge moderate, Democratic incumbents.

According to the group’s director, “no bad vote will go unpunished.”

By labeling moderation in the Democratic Party as “bad” this new group is off to a shaky start. No activist can expect total, ideological allegiance from any elected official and working to do so is both dangerous and undemocratic.

Looks like the far reaches of both parties are sharing some of the same strategies.

Tax Cut for NYC

Heather — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 11:49:00 PST

In New York City , Mayor Bloomberg will be announcing his plan to cut property taxes by 5% and permanently eliminate the tax on clothing. Keeping taxes low is an important article of faith for Republicans across the spectrum and a smart move economically. New Yorkers deserve this tax cut, which will not only allow them to save more of their own, but will also continue to fuel the New York City economy. Bloomberg and leaders before him are examples of how Republicans can work across the aisle to achieve fiscally conservative goals that are vital for our economies – a vital skill in today’s political climate.

If you live in the Tri-State region, don't miss Mayor Bloomberg's address to the City Council. You can read more about his tax cut plans from this New York Times article.

In the House, Moderates are Back

GovernorWhitman — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 06:31:25 PST

One of the recurring problems Republicans faced while in the majority on Capitol Hill was the tactics of their leadership – symbolized by Tom DeLay – who were more conservative than many in their caucus and the voters who elected them. With the strength of his leadership pac and the powers of the Majority Leader,DeLay was able to force through legislation and, could count on nearly unanimous support within the Republican caucus for any given bill.

Now that Republicans are in the minority in both the House and Senate, there has been a major discovery – moderates still do exist in the Republican caucus, and in great numbers! Without their leverage as the majority, the Republican leadership can no longer control the caucus on all votes. This means that the rank and file of the party in Congress are free to vote their conscience or the wishes of their constituents. As a result, we see 37 House Republicans voting for additional stem cell research, 82 House Republicans voting to increase the minimum wage, and Republicans generally more free to represent the wishes of their constituents.

The Washington Post explains this new phenomenon and breaks down additional House votes. You can read the full article by clicking here.

Governor Whitman Interview

Heather — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 12:31:00 PST

Here's the audio from Governor Whitman's appearance on WINA's Charlottesville - Right Now.

Whitman: Trailblazer for Women in Politics

Heather — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:59:37 PST

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, PoliticsNJ.com has compiled a list of New Jersey's political trailblazers. Governor Whitman is on the list as the first and only woman elected governor of New Jersey.

You can read the full list of New Jersey trailblazers here.

Bipartisanship a Must

GovernorWhitman — Fri, 5 Jan 2007 10:19:25 PST

Capitol Hill is buzzing today with new and returning members of Congress - all of whom are adjusting to a very different political landscape in Washington, DC. With Democrats now in the majority in the both the House and the Senate, bipartisanship will be more important than ever if the Bush Administration wishes to have a productive final two years. Above all, bipartisanship has to be more than just a slogan - it must be the reality of the new Congress.

Minority Bill of Rights

Heather — Thu, 4 Jan 2007 11:21:29 PST

The Washington Post's Dana Milbank has an interesting article titled, In the House, Suddenly Righteous Republicans. It has to do with a bill brought before the House by Congressman Patrick McHenry, a Republican from North Carolina.

"The bill we offer today, the minority bill of rights, is crafted based on the exact text that then-Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi submitted in 2004 to then-Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. We're submitting this minority bill of rights, which will ensure that all sides are protected, that fairness and openness is in fact granted by the new majority."

Our question is - why was the Minority Bill of Rights ignored in 2004? And is it only important to Republicans now that they are the ones in the minority? This "flip-flop" on Congressional civility sets an awfully bad example.

The Passing of President Ford

GovernorWhitman — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:32:00 PST

The staff of IMP-PAC and I were deeply saddened by the news of former President Gerald Ford's passing. President Ford guided our nation in one of its most turbulent periods, providing steady, ethical, and compassionate leadership. His commitment to a broader, more inclusive Republican Party was unparalleled among national Republican leaders. As a member of It's My Party Too's Advisory Board, President Ford was a strong voice for political moderation and bipartisanship. During his years in the presidency and in the years following, President Ford brought people together - across parties, across ideologies, across countries - even when it cost him personally. President Ford is a true role model for today's young public servants.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today.

A Centrist Approach in Florida

Heather — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 07:16:03 PST

"Looks like the political middle is going to be crowded in 2007. [Florida] Gov.-elect Charlie Crist's centrist approach to leadership is suddenly catching on with fellow Republicans..."

That's what the Orlando Sentinel says about Republican legislators in Florida who are reaching out to their Democrat counterparts like never before. You can read the full story here.

Moderation Led to Re-Election

Heather — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 19:59:37 PST

Congressman Jim Gerlach on why he won re-election in Pennsylvania:

"We had a great campaign team. We worked very hard to demonstrate to voters that we are an independent and moderate voice."

Congressman Jefferson's Re-Election

GovernorWhitman — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 07:30:19 PST

It is a troubling sign when the incoming Democratic majority party in Congress, elected in no small part due to the questionable ethics of some Republicans, re-elects one of their caucus's most corrupt members. The re-election of Democratic Congressman William Jefferson, who was caught with $90,000 of marked bills in his home freezer, is not a good first step towards cleaning up the corruption in Congress. If we expect our leaders to reform their own ethical behavior, both parties must participate. To criticize corruption in one party and not the other, when corruption clearly exists in elements of both parties, is a disservice to the American electorate. I hope that the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives will take steps to limit Congressman Jefferson's influence on sensitive issues. He has already proven his untrustworthiness.

Lingle's Second-Term Focus: Bipartisanship

Heather — Wed, 6 Dec 2006 13:49:00 PST

On the heels of a landslide re-election victory, most governors might try ramming their policy preferences through the state legislature without regard for the other party. Not Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle. In her second inaugural address, Lingle explained that the mandate from the voters "is to work together to solve the state's problems, take advantage of the opportunities arrayed before us, and preserve all that is special about Hawaii."

Our applause goes out to Governor Lingle for embracing bipartisanship no matter her own high approval ratings.

Simmons '08

Heather — Wed, 6 Dec 2006 12:10:00 PST

According to the Norwich Bulletin, Congressman Rob Simmons (R-CT) will consider a rematch in 2008 to claim his old congressional seat.

Said Simmons, "When you come that close, that has to be an option."

Updated...

Simmons' name is also being floated for state GOP Chairman. Here's the link.

Bloomberg on Bipartisanship

Heather — Tue, 5 Dec 2006 19:27:00 PST

"Republicans blame Democrats and Democrats blame Republicans, but just look at both of them. They will do anything, say anything, to avoid talking about the important things and the need to sacrifice. The public wants government to address long-term issues: Who's going to pay for spiraling health-care costs? Or solve our foreign-oil dependency problem? Or pay for retirement costs or take on the environmental issues?" - Mayor Mike Bloomberg

Governor Whitman on the Radio

Heather — Sat, 2 Dec 2006 10:15:00 PST

Governor Whitman recently spoke to Eric Kuhn on his Kuhn & Company radio show about the results of the 2006 midterm elections. You can listen in here.

Governor Whitman at University of Oklahoma

Heather — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:20:00 PST

Governor Whitman spoke to students at the University of Oklahoma this week about the future of the Republican Party and its role in the public policy process. Governor Whitman was the guest of OU President Dan Boren at a roundtable dinner.

You can read what Governor Whitman had to say in the "News" section of the website.

GOP's "Most Popular"

Heather — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:47:00 PST

Once again, moderate Republicans sit atop the list of most "well-liked" office-holders in America. Rudy Giuliani tops the list at #1, with John McCain at #3 and Mike Bloomberg at #7.

From prominent speaking roles at the convention to campaign appearances across the country, it is truly the moderates within the Republican Party who are most in demand.

Here's the full list.