On the eve of the 2007 Session, I thought it an appropriate time to discuss where the Maryland GOP is and where it needs to be to reclaim the governorship and add seats in the House and Senate. Maryland is a blue state with pockets of purple (and I don't mean where there are Raven's fans). In those purple areas are voters who work hard, but need a break from the government. I don't mean a handout, what I mean is tax relief; relief from higher taxes, fees, increased business regulation.
A demographic, that in my opinion is overlooked is voters age 25-40. Pocketbook issues are very important and I think the Republicans need get back to their fiscally conservative roots and begin with this group. 25-40 year-olds have a lot going on financially. Many are making enough money to beingsaving for retirement, some are starting families, and others are buying homes for the first time, and most have an incredible amount of debt from student loans and credit cards. This demographic is under-represented.
There are few policies that focus on the needs of this group. I would recommend policies that offer incentives for establishing and funding retirement accounts, expanding first-time home buying programs, and creating a business-friendly environment in the state to attract employers and employees.
Republican lawmakers need to create an agenda that reflects its values that are aligned with the YP (young professional) crowd. They need to introduce legislation that eases the burden of young people, single or married and without passing that burden on to the taxpayer through increased taxes or fees.
I would like the see the MDGOP build a coalition with area organizations like Young Professionals to advocate these issues. Each community has an organization that is similar to a Chamber of Commerce, but more like a networking group for people 25-40.
I know this is really a narrow demographic but too much is made of the larger special interest groups. I think this group is particularly overlooked and can bring a lot to the table with ideas and money. Beginning a dialogue, listening to what they want, and working with them to achieve these things will build a stronger party and I think bring new people to politics that thought their vote or their participation would have an impact.
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5 comments:
What is your definition of a Young Professional? If this is a “really a narrow demographic” what good does reaching out to them do in order to build the GOP?
David,
Thank you for visiting my blog and sharing your thoughts. I think the YP demographic has a lot to offer if invited. It may not be as large as other groups, but nonetheless, its contributions could be felt far and wide if organized effectively.
Wouldn’t it be better to spend time and resources to a much larger group? Let’s say blue collar workers, or maybe really try for the minority vote. While Ehrlich might, (I have not seen any numbers) have wrapped up the handicap vote with his very poor selection of Cox as a running mate, did it even help him? No! Why? Because the group is too small to make a difference.
If you want to build the party and build votes you need to go to the big puddles, not play with raindrops. That does not mean you can ignore them, but you certainly should not focus on them as well. Especially in a State like Maryland where statewide elections are won in lost in three areas Baltimore City, Prince Georges and Montgomery counties. The first two are predominantly black, while the third appears to be communist. Making real meaningful inroads with blacks and Hispanics will help nullify this situation.
If Ehrlich chose his running mate for political reasons like he admitted, he should have chosen a black person and a black woman would have been ideal. I am not going to say he would have won because of it but it certainly would have helped.
David,
I think YPs cut across many demographics; they are a group we need to attract. I think they can influence other groups that traditionally have not been friendly to Republicans.
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