GOP Sees Chance to Forge New Identity

“The Republican Party secured an electoral sweep Tuesday that made it America’s dominant party, not just in Washington but in states around the U.S. On Wednesday, it began trying to define the kind of governing party it wants to be,” the Wall Street Journal reports.

“The election results reinforced the party’s basic conservative identity—formed by the governors and members of Congress elected in 2010 and the new crop of officials elected this week. At the same time, its elected officials span several political styles and governing philosophies, from the tea-party spirit of Maine Gov. Paul LePage, to the ‘compassionate conservatism’ of Ohio Gov. John Kasich to the budget cutting of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.”

“In the two years before the next national election, Republicans say they have a chance to define more completely how the party’s conservatism translates into a governing platform for the U.S. Its ascendant governors want to have a loud voice.”