Guest MINDSETTER™ Matthew Oczkowski: Can’t the RIGOP Just Get Along?
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The political feuding between the insider Republicans across Rhode Island hardly comes as a surprise to those familiar with the political scene. Despite tremendous national gains, the RIGOP ended the 2010 cycle with little to nothing to show for their efforts. To make certain those results don’t bleed into 2012, the natural knee jerk reaction is to point fingers, right? Well-deserved or not, the guillotine fell upon a few major players within the GOP establishment. A brief calming of the storm made way for the prodigal son, Ken McKay, who was ready and willing to take command of the herd. From then on the party lived happily ever after… right?
Wrong.
The saga continues and its epicenter is hoveringover the heated race in the 1st district. Republicans finally have a decent shot at taking this seat from the Democrats. Congressman Cicilline remains vulnerable after a number of telling leaks containing damaging information from his tenure as Mayor of Providence. After fumbling over a proper response to the reports for several weeks, voters were left with a sour taste in their mouths, as indicated by the polling. Now foaming at the mouth, Republicans only need to get behind a credible candidate to take on the wounded Congressman.
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Here in lies the root of the problem. Republicans, through a series of missteps, are now faced with two very credible candidates, paving a path for a heated primary. While this captures the essence of true democracy at work, make no mistake, this is a potential disaster waiting to happen for the already struggling party. Loughlin and Doherty’s exemplary records create a natural juxtaposition against the questionable past of Cicilline. A primary will only serve to drain the campaigns of resources that can be focused towards the incumbent.
The last thing RIGOPers need is an expensive primary, given the fundraising landscape for Republicansin New England remains treacherous to navigate. The incessant in-fighting between the campaigns, and some key Republican figures across the state, only serves to hurt the image of the party and the credibility of either candidate.
Doherty dissenters grew upset when they didn’t receive the proper courtingthey felt they deserved. This remains a childish stance in truth, but indeed a politically grave mistake for Doherty. Suring up the Republican base early would have all but sealed his fate as the stalwart Republican. With, or without, the support of the party bigwigs, Doherty has been able to raise an impressive amount of money from both sides of the aisle, an asset that should not be discounted when thinking ahead to a general election. His lack of united party support has unfortunately left him open to the typical fodder one would expect to come from within the party. The “I’m more conservative than you” argument coupled with the “I have more grassroots support than you” quip has createdunnecessary waves across the ocean state.
The looming paradox behind this entire situation is the status of Loughlin. Due to his service overseas, he cannot technically campaign, or even declare his intentions to run for public office. Most of the pressure and rhetoric is coming out of the Loughlin team and some of his supporters from last cycle. Even with all of his connections and success from 2010, if Loughlin decides to move forward with his campaign upon his return, he will no doubt be behind the eight ball. Money doesn’t mean everything in an election, but as any candidate will tell you, it certainly helps.
Doherty’s mistakes stem from his infancy as a candidate. Having not run in the political circles, proper procedure and protocol are foreign to him. Instead of waiting for Doherty to trip over himself politically, the party should have embraced and invited him into the fold. Unfortunately, those with an obvious emotional connection to Loughlin have decided to dig in their feet and let the punches fly. If the goal of both men is to help institute Republican principles in the 1st district, this childish quarreling between supporters is only a means to a bitter end.
A Hard Look in the Mirror
Nearly a year out from the election, Republicans need to take a hard look in the mirror and face the facts. Go after Doherty on the issues, but don’t push a candidate out of his own district because of past allegiances and petty grudges.
Even with all the commotion, I’m still not convinced that Loughlin is going to run at all. Jennifer Duffy, senior editor at the Cook Political Report, made some great points in her appearance on Buddy Cianci’s radio show. The hill may just be too high for Loughlin to climb once he gets back from Iraq. He remains a very credible candidate with an outstanding career, but the impact of his absence is seen daily.
Regardless of his decision, the issues creating this divide need to be settled. A united Republican force can create the catalyst for real reform in the 1st district. Using this primary as an opportunity to vent past frustrations only serves to further divide the party. Gio and the former Governor did not kill this party, but the incestuous fighting is bleeding it dry. Until the day comes where Republicans can act as one unified force, the Democrats will continue to laugh from their offices on Smith Hill.
Matt Oczkowski is a political consultant based out of Washington, DC. He currently serves as Director of Online Campaigns for Advocacy Group, Inc. and was a former communications consultant for John Robitaille.
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