Mary Liz Holberg spoke on the character of Conservatism. It’s about people, not government. The focus is on individual liberties, individual responsibilities and individual accountability. Does the Party remain a vehicle for the Conservative movement? Unequivocally, yes. Democrats are also divided. There is a strong Libertarian streak on both sides of the aisle (i.e. Rukavina on smoking ban, Pete Nelson onprivacy of individual information). The process is largely about circular issues (i.e., life, marriage, etc.) versus linear issues (i.e., taxes, welfare reform, transportation, transit, etc.).  Nuance, while often attempted by politicians, is not possible with linear issues. Inside the Party, there is a battle going on that will be answered in the short-term by the presidential election. The greatest danger is to turn-off Conservatives. The Republican Party of Minnesota is the vehicle for the Conservative movement. However the vehicle has been running rough and needs a tune-up.  Everything ultimately depends on the quality and the character of leadership.

Steve Swiggum said "I tend to believe in balance, especially in governing. Radical extreme ends of the philosophical spectrum try to move the whole scrum in one direction or the other. The popular soundbyte subject of 'change' is disengenouous. No candidate is talking about specific changes or solutions. But they repeat 'change' and 'hope' constantly. Where is the hope for change? If change is what you want, the only possibility comes from the Republican Party. I've come to see that the Democratic Party is so controlled by special interests, that there is no room for any change. The Democrats cannot reform education because of the teacher’s union. They can't reform the courts because of the trial lawyers association. They can't privatize anything or reform anything in the government because of AFSCME and SEIU. Democrats can't do it because of their inherent complicity with special interests. Republicans won't even try to do it because frankly, they are scared. To capture independent voters we have to bring forth the message that Republicans are the only hope for real change. And we need to follow with specifics. Fiscal prudence must be at the center. Individual responsibility is a critical theme. Then layer in all the various factions. Rely on the market.

Jeff Blodgett introduced himself by recalling an introduction by presidential candidate James Stockdale "Who am I? Why am I here?" Blodgett suggested that he belonged in the discussion because when you pull ideology out of the equation then we are talking about the tension between movements and parties. We've (Liberals) watched and studied the Republicans. '64-'94 was the coming out of the wilderness period that ran up to the Gingrich resolution. That was a 30 year process. From '94-'00 winning a governing majority was a superlative outcome. Then came the '04 banter about a "permanent Republican majority", uncontrolled hubris, and the subsequent crash of the party across the board. Over-reaching, hubris, fragmenting.  That’s what is wrong with the GOP. You win with candidates who believe in something and communicate that belief. Galvanize a base. Then go get the plurality or majority needed to win. It comes down to the quality of the candidates. It's much easier to be out of power and push from the outside. If you want to maintain power you have to be careful with your ideology.