A Critique of GOP Positions and Campaign Tactics

Thoughts from one not disheartened Republican activist:

The Republican Party did not lose the presidential or senatorial elections because of large-scale defections from the GOP in Orange County. Clinton gained only slightly more votes than Dukakis in Orange County in 1988, and Herschensohn’s edge over Barbara Boxer confirmed that this county did not stray from its conservative moorings. All but one of the state and federal legislative offices remain in the Republican column.

The challenge of Republican leadership in the ‘90s will be to reconfirm its commitment to the Lincolnian principles of equality under the law and the concept of limited government. These ideals, most effectively articulated in recent years by President Reagan, will assume renewed vitality when applied to key public policy issues, including:

The “Social” Issues: Increased taxes, inflation, as well as the corrosive effects on personal character brought about by welfare state policies should be at the heart of our party’s proselytizing efforts in the ‘90s. A reduced role for the federal government should be advocated as to social programs requiring expenditures of public funds.

Fiscal Policy: The strength of the Perot campaign was its preoccupation with the national deficit. The Republican Party should renew its commitment to scale down wasteful and unnecessary programs.

Tort Reform: The mean-spirited attack on trial attorneys in the recent campaign doubtlessly contributed to the Bush-Quayle defeat. While responsible tort reforms are necessary, much of the alleged harmful effects of litigation on this country’s “competitiveness” should be exposed as largely myth. Use of the civil justice system should be advocated as the alternative to government regulation.

Abortion: A candidate’s stand on this issue should not be a “litmus test.” This right is guaranteed to Californians by the right of privacy in the state Constitution.

By following these and other enlightened policies, the Republican Party can renew its standing as the party offering the best opportunity for fulfillment of the American dream. And Orange County can continue to lead the way.

WILLIAM M. CROSBY

Newport Beach