Or is it too Right?
There are some that are suggesting that Republican's in general and more specifically in Maine should be more conservative. That Republicans have lost the values that are at the core foundation of the party. In addition Republican's are at a crossroads in selecting a new leader for the party. Charlie Webster in stepping down has opened up possibilities.
There is a very real need for Republican’s to embrace the future and the influence of social media on the voter. If the Republican party is to survive and grow - young voters will need to be groomed and courted. The use of Facebook, Twitter, blogs, Tumbler and Linkedin to name a few as a means to get the candidates message out. Updating the websites maintained by various county committees so that they have a slick and professional look. The information on these sites all need to be current. There is no greater turn off than to have outdated information. If the most recent information you have is from a year ago then you have lost the battle. Media needs to be kept current and fresh. Emails that target constituents in a personal way as opposed to generic mass mailings.
The Democrats manage to pull all of these points and more off. They have appealed to the old and young at heart. They get information out for support and do so weeks ahead of time. Not last minute. The Democrats market themselves as they party that cares and wants to help the individual, community, state or nation. Republicans have always been the party of change but recently the party has lost a bit of its groove.
If the party becomes more conservative as some would suggest there is the very real chance that moderate Republican's will defect. The goal should not be to narrow the focus of appeal but to broaden that appeal. To capture those that were lost in this past election cycle.
The Republican party is and always has been the party of aspiration. The Republicans are for the middle class and the upwardly mobile. It is the party of both blue and white collar workers, of race and creed. Conservative ideals and principles are good for every single voter. We encourage you to comment on what the party should do. Comment here or email us at RepubliCANofMe@gmail.com.
A very thoughtful piece, which sounds a "wake up call". Maine Republicans failed significantly to get the message to the people. One had to really search the Internet to find Maine Republican sites. "Hide and seek" marketing is not a way to win. Beyond Marketing, there is the question, what is being marketed? What is the "product"? What does market research say about product appeal, product acceptance? Who is the market? What are their numbers?
ReplyDeleteThis past election when looking for information. I found a few sites that had great information but were not much to look at. I found some great sites to look at but they had little or outdated information. I was able to find more on the various Democrat sites. That is embarrassing to say the least. More needs to happen with social media. I can't believe we, the Republicans, are so far behind the times.
ReplyDeleteIn a logical world one would think the Republican party would be doing everything in its power to increase the ranks and not turn people away. The again the Republicans seem to defy logic at times. I am willing to bet that making the party even more conservative will draw more to the rank and file. It would turn me away. I would feel my vote would be better with the Independents. I would bet that there are many more out there who would do the same. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't clear who will be at the Republican meeting on December 1st to select a new chairman. Who are the people who will be making this vitally important decision? Who are those running for office of Chairman. What qualities is the party seeking in a new chairman.
ReplyDeleteOur sense is that this person should be a warm, likable people person, who likes all types, that they should be able to create a team of winners, that they should have a vision for a Republican "product" with widespread appeal, that they know the principles of marketing a product and communicating, especially systems for reaching broad segments of the public. They need to be able to unify a diverse group with some overriding vision.
And ... if such a paragon can be found he/she also needs to be a fundraiser. Though if the "product" has appeal, and the marketing of the product is successful, the money will follow.