A Pleasant Little Dinner Club
After the drubbing that Republicans received in this past election, one would think that the state party leaders would respond with an energetic, aggressive and well-organized action plan. But at the December State Central GOP gathering, just a few weeks after the recent election, State Republicans leaders demonstrated beyond any doubt why the party has sunk to such a low state, and why the prospects for a revival are dim.
A few observations:
The State Central Committee lacks youth. A quick review of the entire 72 person membership shows that many persons have been serving on this board since the first Bush administration (1989-1993). At one table during the December meeting, several people fell asleep after dinner. The group that led the Republicans to where we are today is not the same one to lead it back to success.
Attendance at the meeting was light, as it always is. This group is the Board of Directors of the Republican Party and a large portion never show up. After the humiliation of November, there should have been lines out the door of people demanding action. State party leadership is a responsibility that should be taken seriously.
The meeting started at 6pm. But cocktails and dinner went on until at least 7:30. After a full course meal and a few drinks, it is hard to imagine that any group of adults would then be ready to attend to the serious business that needed to be addressed. The next few months should be focused exclusively on the difficult challenge ahead of the party. Drinks and food can come later when there is something (like Victory) to celebrate.
The discussion was completely pro-forma and without passion. While the number of Republicans in the CT Legislature continues to shrink toward irrelevance, the GOP State Central dutifully read the minutes to the last meeting and heard the monthly Treasurer’s report. The agenda was followed without deviation. The highlight of the night was the announcement that a new photocopy machine had been purchased. At least the food was good.
It is time that Republicans Party leaders take off the gloves and start being aggressive. For instance, we need to show our outrage when democrats break the law. Each of the 72 State Central members should have submitted editorials or flooded local radio stations with calls on the many recent missteps by some of the better-known Democratic leaders. The silence and inaction or our State Central leaders speaks volumes.
Anything other than a complete makeover of this organization will do nothing other than to further solidify its reputation as a do-nothing group that is not only irrelevant, but completely ignored by Town Committee Chairs, Senior Party Leaders and even our Governor.
One final note. The grassroots organization that drove President Barak Obama to victory shows no sign of resting. In December, they organized a nationwide series of committee and town meetings to plan their agenda for 2009. Even up to the inaugural, their energy showed no sign of letting up. Several meeting were held in Connecticut and were widely reported in the press. Their sense of motivation, drive and enthusiasm was palpable. Meanwhile, the last item discussed at the December GOP State Central dinner party was a reminder to all members…that the January meeting was cancelled.