Discouraged By Republican Losses In 2008? Here’s Some Ways To Help:

Are you discouraged by Republican losses in the 2008 election?  Are you frustrated by a government that does not seem to be responsive to the people; i.e. voters?  Do you feel like you were forced into voting for the “lesser of two evils”?  Relax, there is much to be hopeful for.  However, real “change” won’t happen unless we get to work to make things better.  This post will cover some ways to get on board.  If you have additional ideas, please leave comments.

First, it is not enough to simply vote in the election.  This passive approach resulted in the disastrous results we saw this past November.  We need to become involved in the Party itself to make it better.

Historically, the Republican Party has promoted Conservative ideas such as traditional values, limited government, and a strong National defense.  In the last eight years, what we got was lip service to these ideas by NeoConservatives, who governed with a “Compassionate Conservative” mantra.  It was simply Democrat Lite.

Mr. Moderate McCain was nominated by the RINOs and NeoCons, fully discrediting their philosophy at the ballot box.  Liberals stuck by their guy, and independents were turned off by a Republican Party that did not act true to itself.  In order to get a REAL Conservative on the ballot in the future, we need to make sure our Party leaders support Conservative values.  This starts at a local level.

In the State of Washington, we have Precinct Committee Officers.  Other states have Precinct Captains, or Precinct Committee Chairs.  Whatever your local, grassroots positions are, get involved.  Look up the local Party information on-line, see what is required to run for a position, and put your name in. 

When I looked it up, I found out that my Precinct did not even have a Precinct Committee Officer.  I ran and won the position.  What we need to also do, is find other like minded Conservatives to run in their Precincts as well.  As we pick up more Precinct Committee Officer type positions, we can influence the Party leadership on a County level.  This in turn, will build into influence at the State level, and finally on a National scale.

Along the way, we can get more Conservatives elected in Local offices.  We can support Conservative candidates for House and Senate seats also.  The more Conservatives that are active in the Party, the more likely a Conservative will be on the ballot for the grand prize of President.

In certain situations, Party officials may abuse their office in a desperate attempt to cling to power.  I have heard about some terrible fights taking place in King County, Washington.  The Republican National Convention even went so far as to re-write some rules on how delegates are chosen at State level, because some Ron Paul supporters were unfairly shut out of the Convention process in Washington State.

True Conservatives are not afraid to follow their own rules.  I mention this because it will not always be an easy process.  If a County Chair is not being responsive to the voters, Precinct Officers can run a candidate to replace him or her.

My experience so far in the Yakima County Republicans has been positive.  The Party actually WANTS more Precinct Committee Officers.  In the Lower Valley, the problem is especially true in Grandview.  If you have an interest, and don’t want to wait till the next election, contact the Party and request to be appointed a Precinct Committee Officer.  I suspect other Counties around the State, and the rest of the country will generally be supportive as well.

County Party meetings are usually open to the public, but generally only Precinct Officers and County Boards will vote on issues of importance.  This is why it is imperative to become a Precinct Officer.  Your voice will carry more weight by holding the position.

It is also important to keep voting, and support Conservative Campaigns through volunteerism, and to the extent you are able, financially giving as well.

A great organization that is attempting to get more grassroots involvement in Precincts across the country is the:

Campaign For Liberty. 

Check them out.  Sign up to be a member.  Join the cause.  Make our Party better.