More than 100 Republican former officials to seek reforms, threaten new party

[ZiprHead]

The group will call for the GOP to "either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative."

More than 100 influential Republicans plan to release a call for reforms within the GOP alongside a threat to form a new party if change isn't forthcoming, a person familiar with the effort said.

The statement, set to be released Thursday, involves a "Call for American Renewal," a credo that declares that it is imperative to "either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative." The push will include 13 yet-to-be-revealed principles that the signatories want the GOP to embrace.

This is not the first group to form as the pro-Trump and traditional conservative factions of the Republican Party remain at loggerheads. The new effort comes as a vote looms to oust Liz Cheney of Wyoming from the No. 3 House Republican leadership post for her refusal to stay silent about former President Donald Trump's repeated election lies and his role in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

The move was first reported by Reuters, which cited some of the people involved: former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, the former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, the first secretary of homeland security; former Transportation Secretary Mary Peters; and former GOP Reps. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Barbara Comstock of Virginia, Reid Ribble of Wisconsin and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma. Evan McMullin, a former CIA agent who ran for president as an independent in 2016, is also involved.

 

[TomC]

Yay!

Possibly too little too late. But it's something.

Tom

 

[prideandfall]

Yay!

Possibly too little too late. But it's something.

Tom

and by "something" you mean that a group of stodgy old-guard fascists are getting upset that the fervent new crop of fascists are being so open about being fascists, and want them to adopt their more secretive form of fascism?

the current republican party stands for the same thing the republican party has stood for over the last 80 years, they're just not as blatantly lying about their true intentions and motivations anymore, which is indecorous to the branch of the GOP that considers public manipulation to be one of their central tenets.

 

[TomC]

the current republican party stands for the same thing the republican party has stood for over the last 80 years,

You probably believe that. Just as some people believe that Democrats are Communists.

Oh well...
Tom

 

[prideandfall]

the current republican party stands for the same thing the republican party has stood for over the last 80 years,

You probably believe that. Just as some people believe that Democrats are Communists.

Oh well...
Tom

i don't "believe" anything, i simply make mention of observable reality.

though i'm open to being corrected - what do you think is different between now and *insert golden years in your memory* in terms of the GOP's actual platform or actual policies?

 

[lpetrich]

Back in February, Exclusive: Dozens of former Republican officials in talks to form anti-Trump third party | Reuters

The early stage discussions include former elected Republicans, former officials in the Republican administrations of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush and Trump, ex-Republican ambassadors and Republican strategists, the people involved say.

More than 120 of them held a Zoom call last Friday to discuss the breakaway group, which would run on a platform of “principled conservatism,” including adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law - ideas those involved say have been trashed by Trump.

They plan to run candidates in their party in some races, and to endorse center-right candidates in other races, whether Democrats, Republicans, or independents.

Seems like a center-right version of the Working Families Party.

The host of this call was Evan McMullin, former chief policy director of the House Republican Conference, and someone who had run for President as an independent back in 2016. He got 0.53% of the vote nationally, though 21.4% of the vote in Utah.

Among the call participants were John Mitnick, general counsel for the Department of Homeland Security under Trump; former Republican congressman Charlie Dent; Elizabeth Neumann, deputy chief of staff in the Homeland Security Department under Trump; and Miles Taylor, another former Trump homeland security official.

...
Call participants said they were particularly dismayed by the fact that more than half of the Republicans in Congress - eight senators and 139 House representatives - voted to block certification of Biden’s election victory just hours after the Capitol siege.

...
“Large portions of the Republican Party are radicalizing and threatening American democracy,” McMullin told Reuters. “The party needs to recommit to truth, reason and founding ideals or there clearly needs to be something new.”

...
Asked about the discussions for a third party, Jason Miller, a Trump spokesman, said: “These losers left the Republican Party when they voted for Joe Biden.”

From the article, bout 40% of that call's participants want a new party, while the rest prefer a faction in the Republican Party.

They are very aware of the poor record of third parties over US history. "But there is a far greater hunger for a new political party out there than I have ever experienced in my lifetime," said one participant.

 

[Jimmy Higgins]

the current republican party stands for the same thing the republican party has stood for over the last 80 years,

You probably believe that. Just as some people believe that Democrats are Communists.

Oh well...
Tom

Well, we have Israel's Laser Satellite shooting beams in California v Green New Deal.

The old guard of staunch conservative GOP is getting scared about the monster they have created. The progressive wing of the Dems want a $15 min. wage and Pelosi wants them to be a little more reserved.

 

[lpetrich]

Seems like Brand New Congress, a PAC formed by some some Bernie Sanders campaigners as BS's first Presidential campaign wound down in early 2016. BNC's founders wanted this PAC to operate like a European-style political party, with unified messaging, something like a Presidential campaign with 400 heads. Those founders wanted BNC candidates to run in every open Congressional race, as Democrats, Republicans, and independents as appropriate. Early in 2017, the Justice Democrats split off from BNC to focus on the Democratic Party, but BNC itself was not very successful, getting one Republican and one independent out of 30 candidates, with the rest being Democrats. Only one of their candidates won in 2018, AOC, primarying 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley, though more of their candidates won in 2020.

So this new party or faction will have to try to primary Republican candidates.

‘Rationals’ vs. ‘radicals’: Anti-Trump Republicans threaten third party | Reuters

"The Republican Party is broken. It's time for a resistance of the 'rationals' against the 'radicals,'" said Miles Taylor, one of the organizers. Taylor, while serving in the Trump White House, wrote an anonymous opinion piece in the New York Times in 2018 headlined: "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration."

...
The letter signatories, who include former ambassadors, governors, congressional members and Cabinet secretaries, want the Republican Party to return to "principled" leadership and reject division and conspiracy theories, or face a new party dedicated to fighting for Republicans such as Cheney and against fearmongering and lies.

Backers of the reform group include former Republican Governors Tom Ridge, Christine Todd Whitman, George W. Bush-era Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and former House members Charlie Dent, Barbara Comstock, Reid Ribble and Mickey Edwards.

Liz Cheney herself earlier rejected a third party, on the ground that that would help the Democrats, by splitting the Republican-leaning vote.

 

[TomC]

Seems like Brand New Congress, a PAC formed by some some Bernie Sanders campaigners as BS's first Presidential campaign wound down in early 2016. BNC's founders wanted this PAC to operate like a European-style political party, with unified messaging, something like a Presidential campaign with 400 heads. Those founders wanted BNC candidates to run in every open Congressional race, as Democrats, Republicans, and independents as appropriate. Early in 2017, the Justice Democrats split off from BNC to focus on the Democratic Party, but BNC itself was not very successful, getting one Republican and one independent out of 30 candidates, with the rest being Democrats. Only one of their candidates won in 2018, AOC, primarying 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley, though more of their candidates won in 2020.

So this new party or faction will have to try to primary Republican candidates.

‘Rationals’ vs. ‘radicals’: Anti-Trump Republicans threaten third party | Reuters

"The Republican Party is broken. It's time for a resistance of the 'rationals' against the 'radicals,'" said Miles Taylor, one of the organizers. Taylor, while serving in the Trump White House, wrote an anonymous opinion piece in the New York Times in 2018 headlined: "I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration."

...
The letter signatories, who include former ambassadors, governors, congressional members and Cabinet secretaries, want the Republican Party to return to "principled" leadership and reject division and conspiracy theories, or face a new party dedicated to fighting for Republicans such as Cheney and against fearmongering and lies.

Backers of the reform group include former Republican Governors Tom Ridge, Christine Todd Whitman, George W. Bush-era Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and former House members Charlie Dent, Barbara Comstock, Reid Ribble and Mickey Edwards.

Liz Cheney herself earlier rejected a third party, on the ground that that would help the Democrats, by splitting the Republican-leaning vote.

Without knowing any more about it than this post BNC sounds like something I'd support. I haven't clicked the link yet, but I definitely will.

I hate the fact that the TeaParty Republicans are so odious and treasonous that I feel required to vote straight ticket Democrat.
Tom

 

[ideologyhunter]

Considering that 70% of registered Republicans are currently polling Yes to 'Did Trump's victory get stolen from him', I don't see where their numbers or influence will come from. The crazies rule that party. What passes for American conservatism is now orange, corrupt, and devoted to lies.

 

[lpetrich]

• Home - Brand New Congress
•  Brand New Congress
• Justice Democrats - Let's Elect the Next Generation
•  Justice Democrats
• Working Families Party - Fighting for an America that works for the many, not the few.
•  Working Families Party

In 2018, BNC supported 30 candidates, all Democrats except for 1 Republican and 1 independent. The Republican lost his primary and of the 28 Democrats, 9 won their primaries, and 1 won their general election: AOC NY-14.

It's worth noting that AOC's most difficult election was her primary election, since she was challenging Joe Crowley, a 20-year, 10-term incumbent, a big fundraiser, the 4th most powerful Democrat in the House, and "King of Queens" party boss.

In 2020, BNC supported 46 candidates, all Democrats, including 2 incumbents: AOC and Rashida Tlaib MI-13. Of these, 10 won their primaries, and 5 won their general elections. The winners were the 2 incumbents, and also Jamaal Bowman, who unseated Eliot Engel NY-16, and Cori Bush, who unseated Lacy Clay MO-01.

Turning to JD, in 2018, it supported 78 candidates, including 5 governors and 1 lieutenant governor. Of these 26 won their primaries, and 7 their general elections. Of these, AOC unseated an incumbent and Ayanna Pressley unseated incumbent Michael Capuano MA-07, RT and Ilhan Omar MN-05 won open seats, and Raul Grijalva AZ-03, Ro Khanna CA-17, and Pramila Jayapal WA-07 were incumbents.

In 2020, JD endorsed Bernie Sanders and for Congress, 16 candidates. Of these 12 won their primaries and 10 won their general elections. These were all the incumbents, RG, RK, AP, RT, IO, AOC, and PJ, and newcomers Marie Newman, who unseated Dan Lipinski IL-03, CB, and JB.

Overall performance:

• Incumbent in 2018: TG, RK, PJ
• Unseated incumbents in 2018: AOC, AP
• Won open seats in 2018: RT, IO
• Unseated incumbents in 2020: MN, CB, JB

There were some failures in unseating incumbents, like Jessica Cisneros vs. Henry Cuellar TX-28, Kara Eastman vs. Don Bacon NE-02, and Paula Jean Swearengin vs. Shelley Moore Capito WV-SEN, all in 2020. Some who failed went on to succeed in their next races: Marie Newman and Cori Bush.


So if these Republicans decide to form a new party, then they are best off challenging hardcore Trumpies.

 

[lpetrich]

150 call for Republican Party reform: Who signed the manifesto? - Deseret News
"Evan McMullin, Miles Taylor and other prominent conservatives announce a new political movement"

A Call for American Renewal: Building a Common-Sense Coalition for America

These United States, born of noble convictions and aspiring to high purpose, have been an exemplar of self-government to humankind. Thus, when in our democratic republic, forces of conspiracy, division, and despotism arise, it is the patriotic duty of citizens to act collectively in defense of liberty and justice. We, therefore, declare our intent to catalyze an American renewal, and to either reimagine a party dedicated to our founding ideals or else hasten the creation of such an alternative.

We call for a rebirth of the American cause and do so in partnership and loyal competition with others committed to the preservation of our Union. With abiding belief in the value and potential of every soul and with goodwill for all, we hereby dedicate ourselves to these principles and make common cause in the flourishing of this great nation and its diverse states, communities, and citizens.

I trimmed this list down for brevity.

PRINCIPLES
1. Democracy
2. Founding Ideals
3. Constitutional Order
4. Truth
5. Rule of Law
6. Ethical Government
7. Pluralism
8. Civic Responsibility
9. Opportunity
10. Free Speech
11. Conservation
12. Common Defense & Welfare
13. Leadership

Most of it seems like political boilerplate, at least to me, but there are some parts that seem to take policy stances. Like under "Democracy", rejecting "populism", and under "Truth", "We oppose the employment of fear-mongering, conspiracism, and falsehoods and instead support evidence-based policymaking and honest discourse."

That document has 152 signers, and only some of the signers are in any degree familiar to me, like Anthony Scaramucci, Bill Weld, Christine Todd Whitman, and Max Boot.

WHO ARE WE?
We are concerned citizens—a group of national, state, and local leaders—calling for American renewal. The country is tired of division and political extremism. It’s time to restore a “common-sense coalition” in our political system, and we are committed to making that a reality.

WHAT'S THE CALL?
A Call for American Renewal is a rallying cry for pragmatists everywhere. Our nation’s future should not be dictated by a single person but by principles that bind us together. That’s why we believe in pushing for the Republican Party to rededicate itself to founding ideals—or else hasten the creation of an alternative.

WHAT'S NEXT?
We cannot stay quiet in the face of rising political extremism. We must stand up and defend our republic. Sign up for updates about how we’re taking action, and join us for our upcoming nationwide town hall on renewing America. Details to follow.

 

[lpetrich]

GOP Officials Threaten Party Split Following Cheney Removal - YouTube discusses this new movement. The LTE host stated that there was a risk of splitting the Republican vote and letting the Democrats win, but that that is a risk that this faction was willing to take.

Trump is apparently referring to this new faction here:
From the Desk of Donald J. Trump: A guy named Miles Taylor, who I have no idea who he is,… | Donald J. Trump

A guy named Miles Taylor, who I have no idea who he is, don’t remember ever meeting him or having a conversation with, gets more publicity pretending he was in the inner circle of our Administration when he was definitely not. Some people refer to him as “absolutely nothing.” I hear he is on CNN and MSDNC all the time, but he had nothing to do with any of my decisions, and I wouldn’t even know what he looks like. He is the guy who fraudulently wrote a make-believe book and statement to the failing New York Times calling himself “Anonymous.” That’s right, he, a lowlife that I didn’t know, was Anonymous. Now he’s putting together a group of RINOs and Losers who are coming out to protest President Trump despite our creating the greatest economy ever, getting us out of endless wars, rebuilding our Great Military, reducing taxes and regulations by historic levels, creating Space Force, appointing almost 300 Judges, and much, much more! He is a phony who will probably be sued over his fake book and fake “Anonymous” editorial, which caused so much treasonous stir. Miles Taylor and his fellow RINO losers like Tom Ridge, Christine Todd Whitman, and Crazy Barbara Comstock voted for Biden, and now look what they have—a socialist regime with collapsing borders, massive tax and regulation hikes, unrest in the Middle East, and long gas lines. He is even giving us men setting new records playing women’s sports. What a disaster for our Country it has been!

 

[lpetrich]

More from 150 call for Republican Party reform: Who signed the manifesto? - Deseret News

Editor’s note: In the wake of Rep. Liz Cheney’s (R-WY) ouster from GOP House leadership, this statement of principles, organized by Evan McMullin and Miles Taylor and signed by more than 150 prominent conservatives, announces a new political movement dedicated “to our founding ideals” and “a rebirth of the American cause.” Among the signers are four former governors, including Massachusetts Gov. Bill Weld and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; 27 former members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including Barbara Comstock, Charlie Dent and Paul Mitchell; and one former Senator David Durenberger. Other prominent names include attorney George Conway, husband of senior Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway; White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci; former Department of Homeland Security official Elizabeth Neumann; and former DHS general counsel John Mitnick.

 

[Elixir]

You probably believe that. Just as some people believe that Democrats are Communists.

I agree. 80 years is an overstatement. It has really “only” been 60-ish years since Goldwater and the John Birch Society held sway over the GOP. Since then the fascism and racism of the right has ebbed and flowed but has remained strong. Today it is peaking at new highs.