Casting Our Lott: Republican Leadership
The Republican Party is scrambling to choose it's leaders, and I thought I'd share my thoughts on the subject.
First, the Senate:
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is an exemplary example of what it means to be a conservative leader. He has a stellar record, and I can't imagine having a better person in charge of the Senate Republicans. A+
Minority Whip Tent Lott that's a blast from the past. The Mississippian was a previous senate leader, but was ousted for comments some deemed racially insensitive. That isn't what has me up in arms over his reappearance in leadership, however. Trent Lott is a very competent Senator, but he's very pro-pork. I would have much preferred John Kyl, or even Lamar Alexander, Lott's contender for the position. D-
The House is still up in the air, so I'll talk briefly about who I'd like to see:
Minority Leader Mike Pence seems to be a very competent choice. When i heard his name tossed around initially, I was skeptical because of his pro-amnesty stance, but apparently, that's been resolved:
Minority Whip is more difficult to call. Roy Blunt wants to retain his position, but I think he should be purged in favor of bringing fresh ideas to the party, for better reform purposes. He's got ties to DeLay, and that is not what the party needs now. A Minority Whip needs to be charismatic and inspiring, and on paper I like John Shadegg, but some have called him "uninspiring and aloof." Shadegg would be a better choice than Blunt by any measure, but there seems to be growing buzz around Eric Cantor, who is currently chief deputy whip, but refuses to make a move as long as Blunt is in the picture for loyalty's sake:
First, the Senate:
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is an exemplary example of what it means to be a conservative leader. He has a stellar record, and I can't imagine having a better person in charge of the Senate Republicans. A+
Minority Whip Tent Lott that's a blast from the past. The Mississippian was a previous senate leader, but was ousted for comments some deemed racially insensitive. That isn't what has me up in arms over his reappearance in leadership, however. Trent Lott is a very competent Senator, but he's very pro-pork. I would have much preferred John Kyl, or even Lamar Alexander, Lott's contender for the position. D-
The House is still up in the air, so I'll talk briefly about who I'd like to see:
Minority Leader Mike Pence seems to be a very competent choice. When i heard his name tossed around initially, I was skeptical because of his pro-amnesty stance, but apparently, that's been resolved:
Some Republicans have expressed reluctance to return Mr. Boehner to leadership after last week's disastrous elections, and some are opposed to Mr. Pence for forging a compromise on immigration that critics dismissed as "amnesty." Yesterday, Mr. Pence renounced those efforts.I've seen Pence speak in person several times, and have been duly impressed each time, and he also has the right ideas about reforming and rebuilding the party. A
"All those debates about compromise are a thing of the past," he said in an interview with talk-radio host Laura Ingraham.
"I reject any form of amnesty, even if we've got border security," he said. "I really reject the idea that people whose first act in this country was a violation of the law ought to be able to get right with the law without leaving the country."
Minority Whip is more difficult to call. Roy Blunt wants to retain his position, but I think he should be purged in favor of bringing fresh ideas to the party, for better reform purposes. He's got ties to DeLay, and that is not what the party needs now. A Minority Whip needs to be charismatic and inspiring, and on paper I like John Shadegg, but some have called him "uninspiring and aloof." Shadegg would be a better choice than Blunt by any measure, but there seems to be growing buzz around Eric Cantor, who is currently chief deputy whip, but refuses to make a move as long as Blunt is in the picture for loyalty's sake:
Indeed, Mr. Cantor declined to comment on the growing "draft Cantor" movement, except to say he's not running and supports Mr. Blunt.It will be interesting to see how the House Leadership plays out, but if they stay with Boehner and Blunt, as well as brining Lott back will be signs that the Congressional Republicans are not interested about changing the party for the better.
"The fact that Cantor won't go back on his word to Blunt is exactly why he should be in leadership," said a frustrated Republican aide. "For the future of this party, Blunt should step aside."
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