The Long, Slow, Climb's First Step

Well, Jeff Flake nails it.

Let's face it: We Republicans are now, by any reasonable measurement, deep in the political wilderness.

Mmm, that's some insight.

All kidding aside, Representative Flake writes exactly what some of us younger-cons have been saying for months, going on years.

after a second straight drubbing, the House Republican leadership should be replaced. But the far more critical task is determining what standard these new leaders will bear.

Preach, Brother Flake. I actually don't mind Rep. Boehner, and I think he was truly great on standing up to Bush in the economic bailout fiasco, but House GOP'ers need more than just one guy surrounded by a bunch of milquetoast people we've never heard of. They need an aggressive, gleefully rebellious, media-savvy posse. Furthermore, the people to lead need to have a distinct message. One of the worst mistakes House GOP made was becoming the faceless body of GWB over the first 5 years of his administrations.

I suggest that we return to first principles. At the top of that list has to be a recommitment to limited government. After eight years of profligate spending and soaring deficits, voters can be forgiven for not knowing that limited government has long been the first article of faith for Republicans.

Exact-a-mundo.

RTWT, and if you care about the Right, get ready to fight like hell in the upcoming months to fight for the party leadership you want. My vote is either for Shadegg or Pence, with preference for John Shadegg because I really, really dig his healthcare stuff.