Much like Mark Twain, the reports of the Republican Party’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.  The political pundits in the so-called main stream media had relegated us to a footnote in American history.  They claimed we started with President Abraham Lincoln and were buried by President Barrack Obama.  We had gone from a minority party saved by President Ronald Wilson Reagan to politically irrelevant. 

Something called “elections” happened in early November 2009.  Republican Bob Mc Donnell’s winning the Virginia governorship was not all that surprising.  After all, it is traditionally a red state.  What was surprising was his 58.65% of the votes.  He could not have won solely with Republican votes.  His victory was crystallized by independents’ votes.  

Perhaps more shocking to the grave diggers of the Republican Party’s casket was  Republican Christopher Christie’s victory over incumbent governor John Corzine in a three-way race, which took votes away from Christie.  The bluest of blue states was suddenly, shockingly plum.  In spite of an incumbent governor who spent $25 million of his own money and multiple campaign appearances with President Obama, Corzine’s defeat certified the Republican resurrection.  Again, another impossible victory without overwhelming independent voters’ support. 

We are a minority party.  Even in Florida with our dominance in state-wide elective office, we cannot win without independent voters.  We have to have better ideas than our opponents.  Our appeal cannot be overly narrow; yet it cannot lose its essence.  We are to the right of center, and the Democrats are to the left of it.  We are the party of smaller government.  We are the party of job growth by lower taxes.  We are the party of personal responsibility.  We are the party of a strong military.  We are the party which embraces America’s greatness. We are Republicans!