Conservatives Don’t Need a Litmus Test for RINOs
Written by Richard Viguerie on December 02, 2009, 03:49 PM
In an interview with the Baltimore Sun today, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele publicly rejected the candidate “litmus test” proposed by a group of national conservatives. The concept behind the proposal is to force a certain “conservative ideological purity” on to candidates and elected officials in the Republican Party so that Republicans don’t end up supporting socialist-statist policies. The RNC will vote on the proposal next month when it holds its annual meeting.

While well intentioned, the litmus test proposal would do little to solve the two  fundamental problems within the Republican Party:  bad leadership and conservative acquiescence to bad leadership.

RINOs such as Dede Scozzafava and Florida Governor Charlie Crist aren’t the real issue. Scozzafava, Crist, and others who rightly deserve the “RINO” tag are merely an annoyance. Besides irritating their fellow Republicans with their liberalism, RINOs haven’t really had a great deal of impact on the direction of Republican party policies over the past decade.

The current Republican leadership has consistently supported our national slide to socialism. I’m talking about Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader John Boehner, and the leading architect of Republican endorsed socialist-statism, former Bush White House political advisor Karl Rove. These “leaders” have consistently abandoned constitutional principles of limited government in favor of socialist-statist programs, all in the name of “winning.”

The Bush supported Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was the largest Federal Government give-away program in decades. Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay broke a few arms in the party to make sure this legislative travesty passed, and former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert cheered him on. At the time of its passage, Karl Rove mistakenly crowed that the legislation meant that the Republican Party had wrapped up electoral dominance for years to come.

In the fall of 2008, both McConnell and Boehner voted in favor of President Bush’s now infamous Troubled Asset Relief Program legislation, a  $700 billion bailout of large financial institutions which merely transferred large piles of money from average taxpayers to Wall Street fat cats who had run their businesses into the ground, based in part on requirements forced on them by Congress.

During both of these disasters, as well as many others, most of the national conservative leadership maintained its silence as the “pragmatists” destroyed free markets and conservative principles.

National conservatives who want to fix the Republican Party shouldn’t waste their time forcing symbolic litmus test votes on the Republican National Committee. Instead, they should consider focusing their considerable energies on solving the real problem. Now is the time to put new leaders at the helm of the House, the Senate, the RNC, the NRCC, and the NRSC.

A litmus test is only as good as the character of the person who endorses it. It’s easy for professional politicians to say they support something in order to pass a test that gives them access to campaign cash. The more important test is true devotion to the limited government principles embodied in our Constitution.

The road to new leadership for the Republican Party goes through the 2010 primaries. The current Republican members of Congress aren’t going to throw McConnell and Boehner out. But the Republicans elected in November of 2010 can get that job done.  Conservatives can help make that a reality by supporting boat-rocking principled  conservative candidates in the upcoming primaries, and making sure they win in November.

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Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called “one of the creators of the modern conservative movement” (The Nation magazine) and one of the “conservatives of the century” (The Washington Times). He  is the author of Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.

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Blog Comments

Thomas Molitor
The road to new leadership for the Republican Party begins with stopping Mr. Bernanke's printing press. The power to print money is a violation of private-property rights, in the form of inflation, the hidden tax. Inflation may not be of topic today, but historically, we are in for a real hyperinflation ride soon.
P Meyers
I receive tons of donation requests from the RNC, RGC and RSC many with surveys on how a person feels about many things facing the nation today and I would guess any consertive would only respond a certain way to these sureys as they are not hard to complete and they must be all thrown away because I never see these organizations speaking up for anything I would think Republicans believe. I have reached my limit responding/donating to a failing party and frustrated that there is nowhere else to turn to for help for saving the country.
Albert Bryson
Agreed 100% with what you said about the leadership in the Republican Party. I deeply regret my vote in 1984 for Senator McConnell while I was a resident of Kentucky. I moved to Pennsylvania in 1987 and all that time I was stuck with Senator Specter who I have never voted for. I either did not vote in that particular race or voted 3rd party. I still feel that we conservatives should create a new major party to replace the Republican Party.
Adam
I wish you conservatives would form a third party so we can get our party back. No more anti-abortion pandering, no more spend-happy, intellectual lightweights and no more anti-science nonsense. You cant turn the clock back to 1950. The last decent candidate we had at the national level was Kemp in 96 and McCain in 2000. Poor McCain had to come back in 2008 and pander to the knucklehead dittohead base so he could make it out of South Carolina. Please form a new party in 2012 and take Palin with you.
Scott B
I agree with the vast floods of RNC/NRSC/RCC surveys and requests for $$. We get one or two each day. I complete them but write in "$0 until the Republican party starts voting in accordance with my survey responses and conservative positions" That's the best way to send them a message until we can vote the members themselves out of office.
Rose Colombo
As a long time Republican-conservative and activist, I can tell you that this is the first time in my life that I am afraid for my country! I can tell you that Senator Reid and the liberal democrats have kept their promise to change this country and they've done more damage in 9 months then I've seen in my life time or the country's since since its founding. I fear for our children and grandchildren and theirs as they carry a heavy burden. But, wait, they aren't through. Senator Reid is determined to drop the hammer on the American people and enslave them with higher taxes, bigger government with too much power extended to the federal government in violation of the U.S. Constitution, but then - I'm not sure they care what that "charter of negative laws says," because they aren't listening and they're trampling all over it as if it no longer exists - God forbid it should become a memory - Vote them all out in 2010 and 2012!
Novi
I have a question; will someone here answer? Why aren't Republican candidates for the 2010 and 2012 elections lining up to trumpet plans for legislation designed to undo all of the socialist programs being shoved down our throats today? Afterall; anything that can be done legislatively can be undone legislatively. Can you imagine the excitement of the voters when they realize Obama, Reid, and Pelosi are engaged in an exercise in futility that is leading to their own demise for naught? Obamacare could be neutralized before it even takes effect. I think I can look at history and offer my own answer. After all of the bluster, when we finally re-elect GOP majorities, they never, (save for an occasional tax decrease), undo the harm already done. The examples of this are legion, but I'll offer up this single sample; Carter's Department of Education. Why does it still exist? Why do Republicans never actually downsize government by eliminating bureaucracies? They don't even propose to do so. Could it be because the two Party system is a delusion? Think about it.
Warpublican
According to the tea-bagging loons - like Palin, Beck, Limbaugh and, apparently, Viguerie, tax-raising, government-growing, nation-building, Ronlad Reagan wouldn't stand a chance in today's Republican party...
Warpublican
"I have a question; will someone here answer? Why aren't Republican candidates for the 2010 and 2012 elections lining up to trumpet plans for legislation designed to undo all of the socialist programs being shoved down our throats today?" because the right wing is full of it: notice, that in the years republicans owned the congress, from 1994 - 2006, they never ONCE did anything to rid the nation of that socialist menace - Medicare - because if they did, they'd never see an elective office again. When the Republicans held the Congress AND the White House - they never offered up the RTL amendment we always hear about - and why? becuase they're big talkers who are full of it... they like to keep their butts in office, and America is a center right nation at best - more center than right. Americans talk a big game about hating entitlements - until you try to take THEIRS away...
Chrome
I agree in principle. Every RINO and Every DINO should throw a finger at their respective party and leave. Form a new party of Centrists. Call it the INO party ... In Name Of. In name of their constituents. Their only platform is ... "Our job is to explain our CONSTIUENT'S will to Washington not explain our PARTY'S platform to our constituents. Because after all, it is OUR constituents who can fire us. Not the party and a ragtag band of carpetbaggers sticking their nose outside of THEIR districts." And let it be known that the moment anyone is called by even one person in the major parties an R/DINO they are welcome to leave. Oh wait ... may be a bad idea. Dems would drop to about 42% and republicans to about 36% immediately. The INO Party ...because they can work with either side will get the support of enough people THEY will have all the leadership roles even though they only have about 22%. Within a few years the INO party would gain a true majority and the "TRUE Conservatives" and the "TRUE Progressives" would have complete ownership of the Dem/Rep parties ... but together add up to barely a filibuster as the people of America reject party politics in totality and instead go with people who realize they are representatives of their DISTRICT or STATE and owe the Party NOTHING. WOW ... actually that sounds good.
Steve Bayne
I agree with Mr. Viguerie's reasons for not supporting this initiative. One commentator on the blog P. Meyers makes an excellent point, but neither make a positive proposal that will engage the conservative activist. Here is one proposal. I, too, receive numerous solicitations. I have refrained from making a contribution at this time because I share the view of a number larger contributors than I on this matter. These folks have indicated to me that they will contribute heavily to individual conservatives but no one red cent to the Party! What should be done? I suggest an initiative where conservatives sign a pledge not to contribute to the Party, but instead sign a check, immediately (included within their signature on the pledge) for distribution by the organizing body to the relevant candidates. This would link the initiative in name to the money sent with the message as to why this is being done. Conservative candidates would have some motivation to pay closer attention to conservative contributors who feel disenfranchised. Moreover, engaging Republican contributors in this way would create a real sense, one justified in reality, that their ideas (and money!) are appreciated and serve a designated purpose beyond the uncertainties of ideological ambiguity at the top of the Party. We have to realize that in some state, there are compelling issues where the ideological lines are not clearly discernible. This approach would leave these folks unscathed, assuming they have no ideologically consistent professed conservatives running in the primaries.
Joan
The only one out there talking, speaking truth and all conservative values is Sarah Palin - the only one not afraid to say exactly what she believes. Obviously other Republican leaders do not have the courage she does. Read her book! What this woman has gone through with the lying liberal media; the Republicans and John McCain staffers who threw her under the bus during the campaign; none of whom spoke out for her i.e. defending her children who were being maligned; the clothes scandal, the Trig scandal; Tina Fey, Letterman etc.,when the media was lambasting her - which they are still doing, is unconscionable. Instead Newt speaks out for Scuzzyfava, Romney's health care fiasco in Mass. and now Huckabee's pardoning criminals is the very ones the Republicans gave a straw poll vote for a couple of months ago??? They still do not stand behind Sarah - who has people lined up through the night just to speak with her? We will lose sadly if we form a third party - however we do need to get Michael Steele out of leadership of the Republican party - and get some good leaders in. As Sarah said in her book - with the way the liberal press prints lies; and people sue for no reason, why would anyone want to run for office. If the Republican leadership had more guts they would speak up just as loudly as the Dems - and we the people can destroy liberal medial by telling their advertisers they won't buy their products - somehow that works. Everyone now has to have the courage Sarah has and speak up, join Tea Parties, march on Washington, sign the pink slips, call Congress and protest and protest and protest!
Jacy
I can answer Warpublican as to why Republican's don't have candidates lined up - is because they will drag out the old boys club (Huckabee, Romney, Newt,). There are some good possiblities - i.e. Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin, Tom Pawlenty - We need to throw congress out! We need to institute term limits - no more career politicians and we need to impeach Obama - there is a website trying to do just that! Obama has taken this nation down in 9 months to a leval of socialism/Marxism that this country as never seen before - it's time to revolt - call, write, join a Tea party movement.
Jacy
I can answer Warpublican as to why Republican's don't have candidates lined up - is because they will drag out the old boys club (Huckabee, Romney, Newt,). There are some good possiblities - i.e. Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin, Tom Pawlenty - We need to throw congress out! We need to institute term limits - no more career politicians and we need to impeach Obama - there is a website trying to do just that! Obama has taken this nation down in 9 months to a leval of socialism/Marxism that this country as never seen before - it's time to revolt - call, write, join a Tea party movement.
Radarnav
I see no positive indications that the current Republican Party Leadership is evening listening to the growing conservative resistance in this country. I totally agree with the previous comments that highlight the fact that the Republicans have never, ever reversed the growth in the size and depth of the Federal Government. They talk a good story, then they spend just a bit less than the drunken sailors in the Democrat Party. I will not contribute one penny to this party until: - I see a platform of principles signed by all elected officials and candidates running for office. - It applied in all legislation. The reality is that for them to do that is for them to give up the power that has been centralized in Washington. Not very likely.
Novi
Yes, Warpublican, you are correct, "the right wing is full of it"; but in a way different than you suggest. My point is that the words left, right, and center are nonsense. Did you know that among our nation's founders, the ones who wanted to pattern our government after the "crown", were conservatives; and those who wanted very limited government, personal liberty, and Laissez-faire economics were liberals? Things got turned around, didn't they. During the '08 Presidential Primary we saw the only Constitutionalist in the race trashed by his own Party as well as by every single "conservative" talk radio host on the air. The differences between the two Parties are only cosmetic; they both work toward the same end; loss of freedom and absolute rule over our lives by the State. Life long GOP voters must see it for what it is, if it isn't already too late.
Novi
Start now, tell the GOP, and tell every GOP Primary candidate to build their campaign platform around a plan to return our Government to only those functions allowed under our Constitution. You can bet that the current GOP leadership will soon be crowing "victory" for forcing a compromise plan of Government Healthcare. It will be no less a disaster for every one of us, but they'll nonetheless call it a victory. Let's start with that; don't support a candidate who doesn't have a plan for doing away with the new healthcare plan. Here where I live, we have a GOP candidate for Governor who is campaigning on the Tenth Amendment to keep the Feds our of our lives. So far, this is the only GOP candidate who has any hope of getting my money or my vote.
Mandy
Once upon a time Richard Viguerie was just nuts; now he stark raving insane. To proclaim that McConnell and Boehner support "socialist-statism" and that is the flaw of the GOP is to have abandoned the reality-based community.
Novi
No Mandy, Mr. Viguerie is precisely correct that the GOP leadership supports (and I'll add "is working toward" socialist-statism). You are evidence that the GOP base of voters is deeply deluded. Look at what your elected Republicans have actually done to us when in the majority. Watch how weakly they defend your values. Until those who call themselves conservatives wake up to this and demand Constitutional government; I see no hope.
Bob Belvedere
<i>What profiteth a Republican if he winneth elections, but loseth his conservative soul?</i> Quoted from and Linked to at: <b><a href="http://thecampofthesaints.com/2009.11.29_arch.html#1259939508024">USEFUL ROVEIOTS</a></b>
palintologist
"Besides irritating their fellow Republicans with their liberalism, RINOs haven’t really had a great deal of impact on the direction of Republican party policies over the past decade." Do the names Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins ring a bell? Sheesh!
palintologist
"Besides irritating their fellow Republicans with their liberalism, RINOs haven’t really had a great deal of impact on the direction of Republican party policies over the past decade." Do the names Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins ring a bell? Sheesh!
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