The GOP has some new suggestions for its troops:
The advice for House candidates is part of an effort to minimize Republican losses in a year when voters are exasperated by the economy, the Iraq war and President Bush:
“Encourage Republican candidates to establish themselves in a personal manner, emphasizing local issues whenever possible.”
“Candidates have to have a positive alternative vis-à-vis their Democratic opponents.”
“Work to develop an issues matrix that is different than in years past and also shows a deep empathy towards the voters.”
The advice, from consultants to the National Republican Congressional Committee, was presented this week to House leaders, including NRCC Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.).
I notice there’s not a lot there about new ideas or even going back to tried-and-true conservative ones. You can be as positive and empathetic as you want, but that doesn’t provide for real solutions. Ideas do, and the Republican Party seems to have a serious deficit in that area.
