DeMint: States can lead conservative comeback
Since the 2012 election, some conservatives have blamed their losses on their message while others pointed fingers at the messengers. Truth is, both camps have a point.
That’s why Jim DeMint aims to tackle both problems from his new perch at the Heritage Foundation, which he is joining as president after eight years as a U.S. senator from South Carolina.
“I’m convinced if we have the right ideas, the right messengers, the right message, we can win,” DeMint told me Tuesday before greeting Heritage members at the Westin Buckhead.
Part of the challenge is stylistic: “We can’t just talk like a bunch of engineers” about things like budget deficits, he argued.
“We’ve got to help people see how our policies actually can make their lives better. … And the way we can do it is actually put the camera on people whose lives have been changed.”
DeMint pointed specifically to the different approaches GOP-led Pennsylvania and Democrat-controlled New York have taken to their natural-gas deposits which have been made more accessible by hydraulic-fracturing, or “fracking,” technology.
“It’s almost like a line between North and South Korea,” DeMint said. “On one side, in New York, they’re not developing the energy. And on the Pennsylvania side, we can talk to families whose lives are better” because of the jobs that have come thanks to fracking.
There will be more opportunities for making such comparisons thanks to the one area where conservatives actually made inroads last November.
“We’ve got more conservative governors and legislatures, [and] they’re doing bold things now with the states on school choice, with tax reform. … We’ve just got to showcase those ideas and show how they’re working.”
Even without a turnover of power in Washington, DeMint said there are ways for conservative state leaders to prod the feds in the right direction.
He pointed to the 26 states that sued to overturn Obamacare. While they didn’t get the entire law declared unconstitutional, they did persuade the Supreme Court to rule Congress was overly coercive in threatening to reduce the states’ existing Medicaid funding if they didn’t expand the program.
But despite their legal victory, some conservative governors have been reluctant to decline the expansion — and the federal funds that come with it, albeit at a cost of billions of dollars for the states.
“Some governors realize this is a dead-end street,” he said. “At some point, you’ve got to say, ‘Keep your money, we’re going to make it ourselves.’ That’s where we have to really work on block-grant ideas, so that states can get back the money they send up there, whether it be for transportation or education or Medicaid.
“We’re going to try to build a coalition of states that will push back against the federal government on these things. I think we’re close to having half the states who would come together to just say no.”
Banding together will become even more crucial very soon, he warned.
“What you’re going to see over the next few years, is these states that are failing, with terrible tax policy, regulatory policy, energy policy, they’re going to be in Washington needing a bailout,” he said.
“That’s why I think this coalition of states, what I might call a Coalition of Responsible States, is so important, to give each other support and push back against the federal government.”
– By Kyle Wingfield
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577 comments Add your comment
getalife
February 18th, 2013
11:20 am
Stay the course.
For sane Republicans, join our President’s majority to solve problems.
md
February 18th, 2013
11:21 am
“the lowest school test scores…”
Hope you aren’t basing that on SAT scores…..if you are, you owe it to yourself to do a bit more research.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 18th, 2013
11:24 am
include the fact that retirees move here
But those are the moochers aren’t they ?
Centrist
February 18th, 2013
11:26 am
getalife posted “Stay the course.”
That was done by making 99% of those subject to the Bush tax rates made permanent under Obama.
But sequestration is going to at least slightly change course on spending.
Matz
February 18th, 2013
11:26 am
Centrist,
The “liberal media” mantra is a lie, and your continued defense of that lie does not and will not make it true. CNN had more right-wing conservatives commenting on the President last Tuesday night than a North Fulton Chamber of Commerce meeting. They’re only “liberal” if you define “liberal” as anyone who does not suck the lies from the ayy-holes at the Heritage Foundation and spew them out under the guise of truth.
md
February 18th, 2013
11:26 am
“I want you and other people to please stop using the excuse of “the liberal media.” First off, most media is corporate owned, so you’re never going to find out the 100% truth about anything.”
Bingo……and those corps are led by people, people with agendas to more precise.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:27 am
DJ Sniper posted “Centrist, I want you and other people to please stop using the excuse of ‘the liberal media’.”
Centrist-speak for, “I want you to ignore reality”.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:28 am
Sorry, that should have read, DJ Sniper-speak.
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
11:32 am
OH AQUgirl blows the best bubbles. I’m putting her on the welcoming committee so she can party with the lost-party crowd.
And now comes DJSNIPER in full wonder. Of course I complained to Bush about his fantastiac trips living it up in Crawford, Texas with all the protestors and misplaced roadrunners. What a shame. He even took his wife with him and let reporters take pictures on the “ranch”. The man had no savoir-faire, not even a golf course. No wonder he only served two terms. . .
getalife
February 18th, 2013
11:33 am
If you can’t beat him join him to get things done.
Look at the polls on the issues to see the support from the majority for President Obama.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:34 am
Polls are for the dumbmasses who haven’t a clue about Constitutional principles.
getalife
February 18th, 2013
11:38 am
Majority rules.
Deal with it.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:40 am
“Majority rules.”
Not in a Constitutional Republic, getalife.
Deal with THAT!
Robert
February 18th, 2013
11:40 am
The American People (elderly, women, minorities, gays & lesbains, Christians, Muslims & Jews, etc.) elected President Obama again with another landslide victory in 2012 and Jim DeMint and all the other “Old Southern White Guys” are running for the hills.
The American People should be mad as hell. The Heritage Foundation is a 501 (c)”corporate welfare” organization. Jim DeMint is a poster child for the homegrown terrorist group(s) known as the “tea party” (klansmen, skinheads, militia’s, birther’s, etc.). The “tea party” weapons are hatred, fear and bigotry against the American People.
The tea party is dead. No longer can the GOP rely on winning all the southern states and rally the rebels (old White Guys) in a few northern states to win the White House. The GOP must recruit “moderate” candidates and create a strategy that includes ALL American’s to hold on to as many seats as possible in the House and Senate in the 2014 midterm elections and re-capturing the White House in 2016…
The American People
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 18th, 2013
11:41 am
Polls are for the dumbmasses who haven’t a clue about Constitutional principles.
Elaborate please.
getalife
February 18th, 2013
11:44 am
I don’t think calling the majority “dumbmasses” will help “fix” your failed party but by all means, stay the course.
Centrist
February 18th, 2013
11:45 am
Here is some fodder for those attacking me from the left for pointing out we have a biased liberal media:
I don’t support any organized religion or think humanity is watched over by a higher being, am mildly pro-choice, and don’t have a problem with the Democrats wanting more economic social justice of closing loopholes, deductions, credits, and adding a “Buffet Rule” tax. I doubt such proposed tax changes will net more revenue as jobs will be lost/ increase in government transfer payments along with changed behavior to avoid such taxes.
Having said that, I take the centrist position of endorsing Bowles – Simpson and the last positions of the Obama – Boehner “Grand Bargain” as the basis of negotiations to replace the meat-ax of sequestration that starts next week.
This non-partisan organization pulls together centrist ideas: Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget – http://crfb.org/
Fire away from BOTH sides.
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
11:45 am
getalife,
You said: If you can’t beat him join him to get things done. (President Obama, of course.)
But but GETALIFE, I don’t even know how to play golf. What’s a girl to do?
Aquagirl
February 18th, 2013
11:46 am
Sorry, that should have read, DJ Sniper-speak.
Freudian slip much?
Regardless of your ideas or views about “lamestream media” pouting and blaming everyone else is not a winning strategy. I’d also note that folks with those complaints often cite Breitbart and other crazy websites, which does not reinforce their point.
getalife
February 18th, 2013
11:47 am
“But but GETALIFE, I don’t even know how to play golf. What’s a girl to do?”
“Now watch this drive.” w.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:47 am
“Elaborate please.”
No need, Cheesy. You’ve proven time and time again you aren’t capable of understanding basic U.S. Constitutional principles.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:48 am
“your failed party”
Once again, NOT my party. But do blather on, getalife.
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 18th, 2013
11:49 am
No need, Cheesy. You’ve proven time and time again you aren’t capable of understanding basic U.S. Constitutional principles.
LOL ok.
DJ Sniper
February 18th, 2013
11:50 am
Keep on believing that “liberal media” myth if it helps you sleep better.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 18th, 2013
11:52 am
DeMint is in a perfect position to do what Republican do best: MSU. Make S%#@ Up and use the Con media to sell it to the gullible.
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
11:53 am
ROBERT 11:40
“Old Southern white guys!” That’s what you said and you get detention this afternoon.
We don’t allow bigotry here . Shame! The president won’t even let you be his caddy anymore and that’s a full time job..
Robert
February 18th, 2013
11:56 am
Dick Armey’s annual salary – from FreedomWorks Inc., a “social welfare” 501(c)(4), and the FreedomWorks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable institution — was $500,000 in 2010. According to the AP, Armey’s agreed to resign with $8 million in consulting fees, paid in annual $400,000 installments.
Another corporate welfare case using the 501 (c) (3,4). The American People (elderly, women, minorities, gays & lesbians, Christains, Muslims & Jews, etc.) are sick and tired of the homegrown terrorist group(s) known as the “tea party” (klansmen, skinheads, militia’s, birther’s, etc.). Terrorist groups such as Freedom Works using charitable institutions to re-invent themselfs as a legitimate political party is outragous. The American People should be mad as hell that a few corporate criminals are using 501 (c) to finance terrorist groups.
The GOP should issue an immediate apology to the American People condeming this kind of corporate fraud and promise to never let any extreme group dictate how the American People will be governed. Dick Armey owes the American People an apology and refund for all the money he took from the “tea party” terrorist.
The American People…
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
11:57 am
Some guests here don’t know how to behave.
FINN, please wash your mouth out with soap. There are ladies present.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:59 am
“Make S%#@ Up and use the Con media to sell it to the gullible.”
You mean things like Romney was a murderer and a felon, Finn?
bluecoat
February 18th, 2013
11:59 am
Yes Obama and Tiger playing golf.For all we know they may have been splitting some white oak during the time.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
11:59 am
Robert, in case you missed it, I’m part of “the American People”.
And you don’t speak for me.
Ever.
Bruno
February 18th, 2013
12:01 pm
The economy is so bad now that I heard Exxon had to lay off 25 Congressmen.
DJ Sniper
February 18th, 2013
12:02 pm
What was the story about Romney being a murderer and felon? I don’t remember hearing anything about that during the election. If it was said and it’s not true, then I don’t agree with it. Then again, there’s been so much made up about Obama that it’s not even funny.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
12:02 pm
Bruno @ 12:01
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
12:04 pm
I suggest you Google Stephanie Cutter, DJ Sniper.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 18th, 2013
12:07 pm
sorry, off topic but an excellent article on the paths of Elizabeth Warren: 1) keep quiet, don’t rock any boats, and go on to bigger things than Senator like Hillary and Obama. 2) Rock the heck out of it and just keep working to make this a better country.
I prefer choice #2.
http://www.salon.com/2013/02/18/beltway_to_elizabeth_warren_shhh/
Cheesy Grits is gone but not forgotten
February 18th, 2013
12:07 pm
What was the story about Romney being a murderer and felon?
Difference is things like that dont slip into the mainstream of liberal media. I had never heard of it either.
On the other side Fox News would let that kind of thing right in.
They wouldn’t actually say it mind you.
They would use the famous Fox News phrase ” Some people say …. ”
And then proceed to say what they wanted to in the first place.
Real Athens
February 18th, 2013
12:08 pm
“Understanding actual history and not just spouting talking points makes a person not look unintelligent.”
Comprehension of History and English are equally important in a Liberal Arts education
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
12:09 pm
Dick Armey?? Who? Is he still around or somebody’s just behind? A problem?
Naw, Robert’s just another liberal at the brain wash station. They are having a special President’s Day discount to celebrate President’s Day.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 18th, 2013
12:09 pm
I don’t recall hearing anything calling Romney a murderer and a felon. Sure, some questions were raised on taxes and and layoffs, but no one placed those around his neck.
Just more Con excuses for having yer arse handed to you in a general election. Ouch! Body Slam-a-rama
“Down Goes Romney, Down Goes Romney, Down Goes Romney”
Hillbilly D
February 18th, 2013
12:09 pm
This is what Bill Shipp used to call “inside baseball”.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
February 18th, 2013
12:12 pm
“I don’t recall . . . .”
Color me shocked.
Finn McCool (The System isn't Broken; It's Fixed)
February 18th, 2013
12:13 pm
Dick Armey created the Tea Party.
Man, I thought you Cons knew who is what in the Con world. I guess Fox won’t explain nothing to youses.
Hillbilly D
February 18th, 2013
12:14 pm
The Progs are early risers today and Kyle must have gotten the rooster Hillbilly sent him.
I swear that rooster was alive when it left here!
getalife
February 18th, 2013
12:14 pm
“he European model has been a failure.”
True, austerity failed badly.
Lets not do that crap here to repeat their mistake.
Bruno
February 18th, 2013
12:15 pm
Rafe: None of these stats on Red States taking fed dollars include the fact that retirees move here, most federal military installations and defense plants are here, and the percentage of minority population is higher in Red States. Lies, damn lies, and statistics.
Rafe–Please don’t confuse these Libs with facts. It takes all of the wind out of their talking points.
getalife
February 18th, 2013
12:16 pm
“The economy is so bad now that I heard Exxon had to lay off 25 Congressmen.”
Good one but they are still making record profits.
Bruno
February 18th, 2013
12:17 pm
Just more Con excuses for having yer arse handed to you in a general election. Ouch! Body Slam-a-rama
“Down Goes Romney, Down Goes Romney, Down Goes Romney
Finn–Most people give up taunting around the 2nd or 3rd grade. What happened to you??
Dusty
February 18th, 2013
12:17 pm
Somebody tell Finn that the election is over. Poor guy. He did not get the word from headquarters.
Politico
February 18th, 2013
12:19 pm
“Finn–Most people give up taunting around the 2nd or 3rd grade. What happened to you??”
Aesop and Little Barry say what?