According to MSNBC, a resolution is being circulated among members of the Republican National Committee that would literally set a check list for party funds and support. Prediated on the Reagan quote that “someone who agreed with you eight out of ten times was your friend,” the resolution requires perspective GOP candidates to endorse at least eight of the ten items on the list in order to obtain RNC backing.
Republicans have long quoted from Reagan as if his statements came down from some heavenly authority. It isn’t terribly surprising then that the 40th President’s remarks would take on a law making capacity within the RNC. Given the disaster of the Bush administration, Republicans will continue to need the security blanket offered by the Gipper – at least until they find someone else whose record can be distorted to fit their purity agenda. Indeed, it’s debatable whether Reagan himself would pass the litmus test set by those pushing this resolution.
There’s also the larger concern that an influential group of Republicans are drawing a line in the sand when it comes to the political future and viability of the GOP. This resolution, if passed, would mean no more “official” Republicans from the Northeast or West. That would for all intents and purposes mean the end of the GOP as a modern political force. I don’t know if the proponents of this resolution (assuming they aren’t total fools) fully grasp that reality.
WHEREAS I love Ronald Reagan but for the love of God we need more than an icon to save this party.