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March 27, 2008
GOP Congressional Blues
The Times Magazine is out with a preview of Benjamin Wallace-Wells' must-read article on the grim state of affairs for the National Republican Congressional Committee.
The long but fascinating article focuses heavily on NRCC head and Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole, who comes across as a sharp and sympathetic, if unrealistic operative turned legislator. Cole has the tall order of trying to reverse the GOP's declining fortunes in the U.S. House of Representatives, after taking a 30 seat bath in the 2006 elections. With 28 Republican retirements this year (compared to just a handful of Democrats) and a stunning special election loss of retiring former Speaker Denny Hastert's semmingly safe seat, the NRCC's prospects don't look particularly promising. But Cole remains sunny, at least outwardly -- hey, what else is the guy supposed to do? It's his job.
Cole's challenges are many. No money, a lack of quality candidates willing to run, and perhaps a fundamental electoral shift, particularly among once reliably Republican suburban voters. This last point is the article's most interesting, though it may be too early to confirm. As we've written many times, however, it is clear the GOP brand just ain't what it used to be. And confirmation comes in the piece from no less a source than former RNC Chair and George W. Bush campaign guru Ken Mehlman, who warns that the 2006 election result was not a one-time blip but indicative of a deeper problem for the party.
The article offers delicious food for thought. Be sure to add it to your weekend menu.
Posted by houtopia at March 27, 2008 11:21 PM