Post-mortem continues for the RI GOP

At the other end of the spectrum . . .  

Justin Catalano, a young conservative activist who has formed a group called the 1772 Society, is the latest to consider the woes of the Rhode Island Republican Party.

Over the next few months, the Gentlemen of 1772 Society will be analyzing this election in excruciating detail - detail that has never been seen before in one place and in writing.  We will also be offering innumerable critiques of the Party, its candidates, its strategies, etc.  Going forward, we will be offering our opinions as to the courses of action this Party should pursue to re-attain a modicum of control, and put us back on some reasonable course for 2010.  Our analysis will not end there, however.  In the coming weeks you will read plans that will span the course of years.  With specifics.  In full detail.  Think of us as a "National Review" or "Weekly Standard" for Rhode Island.

To our knowledge, this has never been done before; and certainly never in writing.

The 10 General Talking Points to start the dialogue:

1. The Rhode Island Republican Party is vitally defective/fundamentally flawed.
2. There is no real, tangible, effective leadership.
3. There is no strategy – the "throw shit against the wall and see what sticks" theorem is officially bunk.
4. There is no universal, written, cohesive platform; a "10 Commandments" for the Party (and people are far too concerned with the 11th).
5. Party finances have been - and continue to be - a basket case.  There is a fundraising crisis.
6. The Party has neglected grassroots organizational efforts.
7. Candidates are too many, volunteers, supporters and constituents too few.
8. There is a patent inability to admit mistakes and reassess them.
9. Political patronage is confused for corruption and is not effectively utilized.
10. Modern political methods and technologies are wholly ignored or underutilized.  The old guard must be marginalized and new blood injected.

It is clear to us now that this Party's inability to function effectively is a direct threat to the continued health and welfare of Rhode Island's society and government.  The Rhode Island Republican Party itself is a clear and present danger to the people.  It has abdicated its duty to function as the loyal opposition.

Fundamental questions have not been asked, and must be:

• What does this Party stand for?
• Who is its leader?
• What are the issues for which we shall advocate going forward?
• Whom do we represent and seek to represent?
• What sort of people shall vote for our candidates, and why?
• What do we mean to accomplish in law and government?
• Who will be allowed into the tent, and who will be turned away?
• How will we effect change?
• How will we deliver the message?
• What will the message be?
• Where will we focus our efforts?
• Why will we focus our efforts in certain areas and on certain candidates?
• And when, on what sort of timeline, will all of the above take place?