“Litmus issues” too much for GOP to overcome?

As we look forward to the 2008 presidential race, the Republican Party will face a tough decision. Nominate a conservative who appeals to the party’s base or nominate a moderate who can expand the party and bring moderates and independents into the Republican column.

In 2000, Governor George W. Bush campaigned as a centrist (ok, a “compassionate conservative”) promising to work with Republicans and Democrats alike. He received the largest number of Hispanic votes ever for a Republican candidate and he significantly closed the gender gap that had crippled GOP hopes against Bill Clinton. In 2004, Bush largely won the election on the strength of his record in the fight against terrorism as the country did not embrace the notion of change during the War on Terror.

2008 will be a different campaign. The administration’s handling of the War on Terror has disenchanted many Americans who previously supported the administration. Bush’s policies have turned away moderate and independent voters.

So, when we begin to look at potential 2008 candidates for the Republican nomination, we need to find someone who can rebuild and enhance the coalition that Bush used in 2000 to win election (and, hopefully, someone who will not only campaign as a Centrist, but govern as a Centrist as well). Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that a moderate GOP candidate for the presidency could pass the “litmus tests” that Conservatives in the party place upon candidates.