Republican Party Ninth District
Alfred Chang

The current state of the national Republican Party is perhaps best described by borrowing and then misquoting the title of one of Lewis Grizzard's bestsellers, "Ronald Reagan is dead and I'm not feeling so good myself." Today, the political fortunes of the Republican Party are at its lowest since Watergate (except for in Georgia). Much of the damage to the Republican Party has been self-inflicted. While debates will continue within the party as to the proper direction that it should follow, some points are worth pondering in keeping the party competitive:

Women voters constitute the largest bloc of voters. A growing number of women are single, divorced, or both. By 2020, women are projected to out number men in every field of graduate education except the engineering/sciences. As the baby boomers enter retirement, the number of elderly single voters are mushrooming (remember women live longer than men). Any Republican majority must appeal to issues that have a direct impact on women. It doesn't mean Republicans must follow a leftfeminist ideology. It does mean Republicans must spend more time addressing issues of female empowerment, the impoverishment of single family households (which are predominantly women), and elderly care (since women are the largest group of caregivers to the aged). The Republican approach on the major issues of the day must be framed in a softer and more moderate tone. To reflect their sincerity on women's issues, Republicans must also do a better job of recruiting and promoting women candidates. There's nothing more patronizing than having a bunch of old guys lecture women on what's best for them.

Conservatives within the Republican Party can also take a more conciliatory approach to moderates within the party. If the Republicans ever hope to restore its majority, Republicans must approach a pragmatic approach to ideological differences. For example, Georgia state representatives Jill Chamber and Mike Jacobs represent districts which are predominantly Democrat. (Mike Jacobs switched from being a Democrat to a Republican earlier this year). Both representatives are friendly to gay rights and pro-choice. Their presence within the Republican Party should be welcomed and encouraged. Politics is about putting together disparate groups such that the party receives at least 50.1% of the vote at each election. A winning, governing, majority party consists of different segments - it is a coalition. Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal Coalition contained blacks and segregationists, socialists and states rights fundamentalists. The Republican Party can surely stomach some differences. What good is a party if it's not a party in power?

There are bright spots over the political horizon for Republicans, especially in the South. Louisiana just elected its first Republican Indian governor, Bobby Jindal. Governor Jindal is only 36 year old. Gwinnett County elected its first black state legislator, Melvin Everson. Most of the folks that have written the "Republican" position in these columns are young (under 40) educated professionals. The Georgia Republican Party has a promising group of future leaders. Now if we can just deliver the right message and tone.

Alfred Chang is the Chairman of the Lumpkin County Republican Party, the past president of the Enotah Bar Association and a practicing attorney in Dahlonega, Georgia. He would prefer to be known as Christopher's dad; Rachel Ray's number one fan; and wants his wife to know that he can honor his marriage vows and remain Rachel Ray's number one fan!