| The AP did a nice write-up of why Erik Iverson is running for chair of the Republican Party. It's actually mildly humorous. His first reason is outreach to college campuses.
It's not a joke to say that until 1-2 years ago, the Republicans were definitely out-organizing the Dems on campuses across the state. Schweitzer and Tester helped reignite the College Dem chapters, though -- with a lot of help from a new breed of engaged and electorally-focused student on campus.
So to say the GOP hasn't focused on campuses is pretty funny. Their problem isn't targeting -- it's what their party stands for.
The Millenial Generation is the most diverse and tolerant generation in history. The Republican Party stands for "seal the borders" and "rail against homos".
The Millenial Generation is entering adulthood at a time of great economic insecurity. The Republican Party stands for higher tuition, less financial aid, bad health care, predatory lending, and low wages.
The Millenial Generation is deeply opposed to the War in Iraq. Erik Iverson's boss is Montana's only federal legislator still fervently backing that misdirected excursion.
The Millenial Generation is concerned about global warming and believes in clean, green alternatives. The Republican Party says that global warming is a myth and that coal-fired power plants are clean and green.
It's not a communication or outreach problem. It's a substantive problem. |
