Hardly the pitchforks and Anarchy Robert sees.
Most of the comments were about not trusting the GOP and wanting them to act like conservatives.

^One week later, …the initial excitement has died down, and are my reflections from the front line and lessons learned for the next time…

Yes, there was a “wave” but not every Republican across the country won, not every Tea Party supported candidate won. So what made our successes happen?

I just finished three months as a Field Director for a local Republican Party office in Arizona where ALL of our candidates in the county won, despite a “two Democrats for every Republican registered voter” disadvantage. How were we able to accomplish this?

Well, first of all, our candidates were strong, Constitutionally-based, fiscally conservative competitors with a clear difference between the Republican candidates and the Democrat candidates. They worked hard and even when their opponents went “dirty,” they stayed above the fray and focused on the issues.

Second, the local Tea Party offered multiple, neutral forums to the general public where all the candidates were offered the opportunity to present their views and connect with voters. Although only one Democrat candidate attended, it was because the rest of them made a conscious choice not to attend the unbiased, independent venue or even reach out to the Tea Party members.

There were frequent debates within the Tea Party about officially “endorsing” any candidates. And, while ultimately, there was no “formal” endorsement of any specific candidates by the organization, members were free to assist as individuals - which they did. Tea Party members consistently volunteered to support the candidates of their choosing, by making phone calls, holding signs, and walking neighborhoods. They put their encouragement and energy into specific actions.

Third, there was a “separate but equal” commitment between the local Republicans and the Tea Party to partner in events, communications, etc. whenever possible and appropriate. The bottom line goal of electing solid conservative, Constitutional-focused candidates was always kept foremost in mind.

Finally, there were concrete steps taken jointly to keep the voting process clean and minimize any potential voter fraud. It was a common consensus in the community that the Democrats in the area brought in union members to "help" and had a “well-oiled machine” for bringing in votes, often at the last minute. Members who were knowledgeable about “word of mouth” reports of possible “indiscretions” in the past were utilized to visibly watch the comings and goings, quietly observe the voters coming in, (when necessary) take pictures outside the legal distance limit, and use EVERY legal, appropriate method available to deter improper actions while not discouraging legal voters from exercising their Constitutional rights. Prior to the election, we had an elections attorney teach a seminar as to proper procedures within the polling location, explain to the poll watchers what to look for, and discuss the correct processes for reporting any potential violations. As a result of these actions, we believe we had minimal examples of voting fraud.

So whether it was the “Tea Party using the Republican infrastructure” to get their choices elected or whether it was the “Republican Party using the Tea Party energy” to get their choices elected, it was a symbiotic relationship that created the positive outcome that all sides wanted.

As far as lessons learned:

1) The Tea Party and Republican Party joining forces with a focus on mutual goals can accomplish a tremendous amount. Find candidates that embody the philosophies of support for our Founding Principles, and actively unite to put the strongest candidate possible on the ballot.

2) Relationships have to be nurtured and encouraged between the groups involved, both on an organizational and member level. Whether a Tea Party, as an organization, endorses anyone will have to be determined on a situational basis. However, the Tea Party can always help to inform and educate both its members and the community at large as to the candidate’s platform; and inform and educate the candidate as to community priorities and concerns.

3) Joint partnerships between the local Republican Party and Tea Party for educational seminars, election workshops, and mutual attendance at meetings should be encouraged going forward. Plans for preparing volunteers to be poll workers and poll watchers, going into the community to teach citizens the voting process and their rights, and working with legislators to strengthen laws covering elections should be a priority. “One legal voter, One legal vote” should become a mantra in areas of questionable tactics at the ballot box.

Bottom line, the work has just begun to restore our Country, our Constitution, and our Freedoms. I believe that Tea Party members should work within the infrastructure of the Republican Party and return the Republican Party to Constitutional priorities. Forming a “third party” will only dilute resources, time and money, away from efforts to elect the best conservative candidates possible.

What (else) do you think needs to be done between now and the next election? ^
-Posted by Ruth Fennell