Politico reports on the recent Republican Governors Association meeting:
While Republicans posted two hard-fought gubernatorial victories on Nov. 3, McDonnell’s path to victory is the one that most encourages the GOP, a remarkable case of a social conservative who made his name in politics as an abortion opponent yet managed to reverse a Democratic trend in Virginia and shellack his opponent by nearly 18 percent while largely steering clear of cultural issues.
As rejuvenated GOP governors gathered at a resort outside Austin for their annual strategy session there was little doubt who they wanted to spotlight. McDonnell was shown off at nearly every public event, paraded before the reporters, consultants and lobbyists here as the example of how Republicans can find swing state success in the Obama era.
There are two lessons we can take out of the McDonnell victory:
1. Run away from social issues and talk up the economy.
2. Remain firm on social issues but also hammer the Democrats on the economy and government reform.
If we take “1”, we’ll lose. While some people of RINOish tendencies might want to pretend they can win without social conservative support, the plain fact of the matter is that McDonnell won his crushing victory because he had on board social conservatives, economic conservatives and independents who don’t feel strongly either way, but who like to vote for people who appear trustworthy – had McDonnell abandoned his social conservatism, he might not have won at all, and if he did win, it would have been by a narrow margin.
So, there is a “McDonnell Path” to victory for the GOP – but it requires courage; the courage to stand fast for what one believes is right while also working hard to appeal to people who might not be with you on all issues, but are open to supporting you because of the plans you bring to the table.
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