Arkansas GOP: Patriots vs. Establishment

"Does the Party belong to the people?"

Why is our state Republican party so fragmented? What can be done to bring it together? We see distinct differences between the “patriots” and the “establishment” factions that are not leading to party unity.

District 2 Republican Chair Jennifer Lancaster, and Ginny Lauren-Dowden from Conduit News recently discussed those differences and how compromising Republican principles and values will not lead to unifying the party with 101.1 FM radio host Dave Elswick, as well as how personalities need to be set aside so disagreements within the Republican Party of Arkansas can be resolved and allow us all to work together. Unifying around the party principles should be the goal, says Lancaster, and "the Party should embrace the patriots."

In examining the situation between the "patriots" and the "establishment," patriots "just want a seat at the table," as Dowden points out, adding

We want to be heard. We've fought an uphill battle for years now just to be heard... we hope the people, especially at the state level, heed that." If unity means "as long as you agree with us, that's not what we want; we're not going to agree to that.

"When you don't think there's a problem, there's your problem," Dave added as he describes the situation where the party, saying "Yeah, we want you to help us get people elected, go out and knock on doors, make phone calls .. but don't be looking to be part of the leadership..."

Dowden points out that growing the party "just for the sake of our numbers" (by bringing in "people who are in the middle") also means "you have to agree with where we stand" on the platform and principles. She explains,

I want us to win ... because we have the best thing to offer Arkansans and Americans for the future ... not because I want our numbers to grow by bringing in people who do not agree with us!

The word "establishment," Lancaster says, "does not refer to longevity in the Party, but means "those who are intent on maintaining the status quo and who are willing to sacrifice their principles and our Republican principles in order to further their own self-interest, which is typically in a leadership position ... or an elected position."

Patriots "are not interested in running for an elected position ... many of them are raising families and running businesses; they are wanting to see this country get back on the right track." Lancaster asks,

“Do you analyze every issue presented to you through that framework" of the Constitution and the Republican Party principles? ... "That is what we need to rally around and that's what we need to unify around, and I don't think that should be controversial."

Lancaster urges the party, "Look to the people, not the Capitol, for guidance!"

Check out their discussion below. What can YOU do to help "unify our Republican party around our principles"?

(Illustration: The “join or die” flag reinforced the idea that the states must pull together or be defeated.)