Running on the national debt is a winning issue for Republicans. Those seeking to challenge Hagan should make reducing the debt their central platform. The debt issue unites hardcore Tea Party conservatives and suburban moderates. People may not understand all the nuances of the national debt but they know that it spells trouble for the future of the United States and the future of their children and grandchildren. To many voters, it’s a moral issue. Most importantly, it’s one where voters consistently show more trust in Republicans to solve.
The national debt was President Obama’s biggest weakness in 2012. It was something that Republicans failed to capitalize them. Instead they got distracted by divisive social issues. The Republican who advances from the primary next May will not be able to afford to run on hot-button, red-meat social issues. Instead, they will have to run on “kitchen table” issues and present a responsible conservative alternative to the current policies in Washington.
The reelection campaign of Senator Richard Burr used the debt issue to great success, winning by a larger margin than any other North Carolina Senate candidate in recent history. Burr avoided social issues and ran on a pro-business, fiscally conservative platform.
A seat in the United States Senate is waiting for the Republican who can stay on message, avoid divisive social issues, and wage an aggressive campaign centered on the growing national debt.
John Wynne is the “conservative voice” at PoliticsNC, where he also provides polling analysis and commentary on legislative campaigns. When not writing about politics, he enjoys gardening and listening to opera. Contact: johncwynne@gmail.com.
0 Comments