Coalition building in Illinois has become a model for the rest of the nation thanks to a program spearheaded by Republican National Committeewoman Demetra Demonte.
For eight months Demonte zigzagged across the Prairie State meeting with various Republican groups touting he plan. Demonte said she targeted Republican coalitions, like Young Republican organizations or Women’s groups, because those groups have established networks to share information and messages. Empowering the coalitions is a key to Republican victory in November and beyond, she said.
“We can access these networks to spread our message, send out key talking points – get out information quickly. The network connects activists with voters - and candidates with voters,” she said.
The key to Demonte’s plan is simple – focus on issues that unite Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats. Focusing on commonalities strengthens connections and translates into votes for Republican candidates, she said. With the help of the Republican National Committee Demonte provided training in communications and messaging to coalition members. Demonte said providing these tools means each member of the coalition becomes an effective communicator of the Republican message.
Recognizing that the party has become somewhat fractured, especially with the rise of Tea Parties, Demonte said the coalitions are able to get the message into the communities and reach disenfranchised voters.
“If we can reach them with the right message via the right messenger we can win them back,” she said. “We can use the same strategy to attract those who have not traditionally voted with us. People are more likely to listen to someone from their own group instead of a generic Republican.”
This week Demonte brought her plan to other members of the RNC during a spring meeting in Maryland.
“I have encouraged our team members to use their newly polished skills to spread the Republican Word – to speak of the Issues that Unite Us – to raise armies of volunteers – to mobilize around candidates and help them win. A new rallying cry was born: Adopt a candidate; Take back our state; Take back our country,” Demonte said during her address to the RNC Tuesday afternoon.
Demonte said she began the process with the names of only a few people who in turn led her to other people to network with.
“We connected with people on a personal level - we developed relationships and nurtured them. They climbed on board and convinced their members to join us, too. Our group has grown exponentially. It grows because it is fueled by a passionate desire to take back our state and county. People are afraid – not only for themselves – but for their children and grandchildren – and the country their children will inherit. That is why they are coming forward –alive with energy- enthusiasm - in this very critical political moment,” Demonte said to the RNC.
In the last eight months Demonte received tremendous support from the RNC and the Illinois Republican Party. In fact, RNC Chairman Michael Steele is a big supporter of Demonte’s efforts. Last month Steele met with members of Demonte’s coalitions at The Drake Hotel in Chicago to encourage them and offer guidance in touting the Republican message. At the start of the RNC’s meeting this week Steele singled out Demonte’s efforts and said other states should look to Illinois as a model of coalition building.