It's an Image

"Republican for a Reason"- State WVGOP Director Dr. Doug McKinney often touts this iconic slogan to describe why he, and others, choose to identify themselves as Republicans. However, what is that reason?

In light of recent disagreement and turmoil within the party, reasons to identify with and support the state Republican party are often mixed with reports of bickering and financial instability. The Charleston Daily Mail recently captured the point of contention that leads to separate visions between members and leaders of the party, visions that carry deep-seeded beliefs.

Critics of McKinney point to irresponsible leadership that undermines associate leadership, approves of embarrassing "paper bag" donation solicitation, and poor financial responsibilty, specifically with the paid executive director position formerly held by Gary Abernathy. McKinney, on the other hand, believes one thing is connected to another: an executive director must be hired, to raise funds, to support and recruit candidates and initiatives, so that more funds can be raised, etc.

I think the party has the potential to support our outstanding officials already elected and support future candidates to take the state by storm. However, the party must find unity in an image to harness this potential. The recent paper bag campaign was an indicator of the financial desperation by the director, and the effects of that silly campaign have far reaching consequences. All is not lost though.

The party, with the Underwood Institute, is slated to put on an excellent Republican summit this weekend in Charleston, with outstanding leaders who will teach and inspire Republicans from all around the state.

The solution, in my opinion, to revamping the WVGOP is not in raising money, or emphasizing logistical difficulties and intra-party differences. These are critical items, and great leaders like Melody Potter have the experience to coordinate satisfactory solutions. In my opinion, support will be gathered, candidates will be slated, and unity will come from the image - an image of what the reason is to be a Republican. The image: strong defense, lower taxes, less government, social conservatism, and responsible law making.

Party members will believe in the image, and campaign on the image. Voters will identify with a unified party and apply the message when pulling the lever in precincts around West Virginia. Party leadership will thrive with a unified base that is willing and ready to support the cause.

There is great hope and opportunity for the West Virginia Republican Party, and many of its best minds are assembling upon the Charleston Embassy Suites this weekend for the Republican Summit. Hopefully participants will talk about what the Party should be, which roads we will take in the future, and how to accomplish these goals. The opportunity is there, but so is a counter-productive image of confusion and disunity. We have a great resevoir of elected politicians, leaders, supporters, and organizers within the state Republican party. I'm looking forward to what the future holds.