Gov. Tim Pawlenty looks to the future of the Republican Party
Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently responded in writing to questions about the future of the Republican Party. The questions were asked not long after the election.
Here’s most of the questions and answers:
• How badly damaged is the Republican Party?
“One of the great things about our political system is that no one party tends to be in long-term control. Americans like checks and balances. Both parties have had their ups and downs in the past and have come back more focused and stronger. I expect that will be the case with the Republican Party,” wrote Pawlenty.
• The governor has suggested the party needs to address pocketbook issues in order to gain voters. Does this mean backing off social issues?
“The GOP has been and always will be a conservative party, but it lost its way by violating some of its own principles. We will turn this around by applying conservative principles to solve the problems facing everyday Americans, or Sam’s Club voters – and articulating solutions in meaningful, common-sense and optimistic ways. This includes fiscal discipline, balancing the budget, growing jobs, reforming education and health care, advancing freedom, and a comprehensive energy plan that supports prosperity,” Pawlenty wrote.
•How can Republicans attract minority groups? And is it possible to simply write off some minority groups and still flourish?
“The Republican Party’s strength will come from the appeal of our principles by a broader reach of Americans. This requires articulating our conservative principles in ways that are meaningful to women, minorities, young people and people of modest income. This will include growing jobs; keeping a lid on taxes; controlling government spending; reforming our education system; bringing market forces to health care reform to lower cost, improve quality and maintain access, etc.,” the governor wrote.
• Lastly, is it possible to simply do nothing — let the political pendulum swing as it will and await its return?
“We will stay engaged and actively work on the issues facing our states and nation because America’s future is too important for us to just sit back and wait,” wrote Pawlenty.
