The following is a column written by DuPage GOP Chairman Dan Cronin
The year 2010 may be an historical year for many reasons; some positive, some not so encouraging. A prolonged recession has wreaked havoc on homeowners, small businesses, corporations, government and every institution that relies on the fruits of capitalism for any measure of success. No one has been immune to the impact of this weakened economy.
Cynicism and frustration are widespread. A recent poll indicates that a whopping 80 percent of Americans do not trust the federal government. Nearly 2/3rds of Americans believe their taxes will increase over the next year. It’s estimated that the public debt will reach 90 percent of GDP in only ten years. Unemployment remains high, especially in Illinois, and underemployment is more than 20 percent.
Public distrust isn’t limited to government. People are wary of other industries such as banks and large corporations. Everywhere you turn, someone has a hand in your pocket. Americans have had enough. People across our state are rallying against higher taxes, spiraling debt and more government intervention.
The November elections look promising for Republicans, particularly here in Illinois. A silver lining in the dark cloud of public pessimism is that the fundamental ideals of the Republican Party are again gaining traction. After decades of unyielding government encroachment, most people now recognize that this is not the solution to the economic or political problems we now face.
But it isn’t enough for Illinois Republicans to capitalize on the dark mood of the current political climate. We need to do more. We need to say more. And we need to offer more. All of us must prove to wary voters that they should vote for Republicans not simply to oppose the other party, but because we have the ability to dramatically change the trajectory of our state and local government.
We can’t waste time defining the other side. Illinois voters are smart; they already know what the opposition has to offer and they aren’t persuaded. We need to spend the next six months telling voters why Republicans are fit to lead. What is the loose thread we will pull to unravel the unending seam of big government?
The mainstream media is fond of portraying Republicans as the “Party of No.” I suggest we become the “Party of Know.” Republicans know that lowering taxes and reducing the burden of government will boost the economy. Republicans know that more individual freedom will salvage the remains of a dispirited electorate. Republicans know that making promises we cannot keep are contrary to what Americans are all about.
Here in Illinois, the debate should be elevated above regional concerns. For too long, Illinois Republicans have been divided between suburban and Downstate interests. This is an opportune time to heal those differences and work collaboratively on the ideas that bring our voters together. The Republican ticket reflects every constituent group in our state, from Downstaters to suburbanites to women to minorities. We have a story to tell and the voters need to hear it.
On the second of each month, leading up to Nov. 2, this page will offer ideas about how we can ably win on Election Day. We should win based on principle and not power. I’m seeking to address the following:
- How to begin to reduce the size and cost of government;
- How to attract employers and create an environment conducive to economic growth;
- How to consolidate efforts to deliver services in a cost effective manner;
- How to involve new voters to the Republican Party.
Yes, it’s important for Republicans to win. But it’s important to win on the strength of our ideas, not the weakness of our opposition. We have a unique opportunity before us to fundamentally change the future of Illinois. There is no time to waste and I’m hopeful this roadmap will lead us in the right direction.