New England Republicans

Good article in today's Boston Globe about the future of New England Republicanism, basically outlining how they can be relevant again by avoiding social wedge issues and emphasizing efficiency in government, thrift in budgets, and support for the variety of civic institutions people use in their daily lives. This last is the most vague, but it seems like a kind of sociological conservatism -- using government to facilitate (rather than replace) all the "little platoons" in our lives, the institutions that make life worth living.

One key for Republican recovery should be a regional leader with national profile who works to build the Party's reputation across the six states -- a guide to recruit, fund raise, network, and campaign for candidates just within that region, coordinating with the various state committees to build a regional movement. This type of activity was common in the past. Nineteenth century politicians were often called "a leader of the Western Republicans" or "a Southern Democratic leader" as they built blocs of support for their future presidential runs and the influencing of national policy. The Party needs a leader of the New England Republicans who takes this as their special challenge.

Who could that be? Well, there are six obvious candidates based on their current positions. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas, Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell, Maine Senators Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe, and New Hampshire Senator Judd Gregg. Another obvious candidate could be former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, whose successful efforts to rebuild regional Republicanism might boost toward another White House run.

The Republican Main Street Partnership should also play a major role in regional recovery -- Nancy Johnson, Charles Bass, and Warren Rudman are all board members and all New Englanders. They have chapters in Maine and New Hampshire -- why not the other four states, especially since three of those four have Republican governors?

Begin with ideas. What makes us Republican? Why are we not Democrats? Designate a regional leader and spokesperson. This is their project. Find like-minded people -- donors, campaign workers, candidates -- and recruit.

Look, it can't get much worse. Give it a whirl.