Tuesday, February 23, 2010

No Conservative Litmus Test

By Douglas V. Gibbs

As the Republican Party slowly moves back toward its base, and big-government neo-cons are running for the hills, a conservative litmus test was suggested as something the GOP should consider as the November elections approach. The conservative litmus test for candidates to receive money and support for their mid-term election campaigns, would not have reinvigorated “conservative” principles into the GOP as hoped.

Conservatism, and Constitutionalism, is not something you force upon a party, or the politicians. Either they support the founding principles of the nation, or they don't - and if they don't, we can't force a square block into a round hole.

The ultimate test is the ballot box. If the politician does not fit the voter's personal litmus test, then the voter should simply vote against them.

This is why it is important for conservatives to not only be involved in supporting constitutional candidates long before the primaries, but for conservatives to also be active voters.

This is not to say that a voter should reject all candidates that deviate the slightest bit, either. Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world, and there is not a perfect politician. And I understand that the Republican leadership, or the establishment Republicans, are so entrenched it almost feels like we have lost the party to big government progressives.

Fact is, however, the party is salvageable, and we must continue to work to bring the party back to its roots.

Don't forget, however, that this is not just an effort at the federal level. Locally, you should be ensuring that your representatives are conservative, and believe in the founding principles of this nation. Taking back the local offices will eventually expand to the federal level as well.

Remember, conservatives outnumber liberals in this nation. This is a center-right nation, and if we are all active, and all involved, the party will be turned back around - from the inside - and from the heart and soul of the GOP.

A litmus test is sort of like a magic love potion that forces infatuation upon the recipient. I don't want candidates in office I had to convince to be conservative. I want representatives that are naturally that way.

But, honestly, right now I am willing to settle for a few less-than-perfect Republicans, if they are willing to vote with the rest of the GOP to help stop the liberal madness that has engulfed Capitol Hill, I am all for them (Scott Brown of Massachusetts comes to mind).

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

A Closer Look at the GOP Litmus Test - The New American

Conservatives Unveil 'Mount Vernon' List of Principles - NewsMax

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