There has been a lot of debate for years about what it means to be a Republican.  Some say it’s all about being willing to call yourself one.  Others say it consists of voting in three of the last four state Republican primary elections.  However, there are some, myself included, who insist that the Republican Party has to have some core beliefs that unite its members. 

True unity comes from holding common values–a belief in God, the U.S. Constitution, and the Tennessee state constitution being foremost among them.  True Republican Party unity should be about more than just working in one’s self-interest.  The Tennessee Republican Party has its own list of Guiding Principles which can be found on its website at tngop.org.

Republican Party Guiding Principles Should Govern How Republican Officials Vote

The Guiding Principles are mostly focused on national policies, which may seem like a weakness at first, until you understand that these big ideas usually have both state and local applications as well.  For example, principle #8 which asserts the sanctity of human life, not only touches on federal and state policy, but even has relevance at the local level.  Deciding to allow rezoning so that Planned Parenthood may expand a clinic to perform surgical abortions is a decision that should be impacted by adherence to principle #8.  For Republicans, these principles should govern how they vote on related issues.

I know the Big Tent Republicans shudder at the thought of the party actually having a philosophical foundation.  They prefer that everyone just do what seems right in their own eyes.  I would argue that you are unlikely to come together as a party if your members have disagreements on the most fundamental of issues.  There has to be agreement on the basics for the party to be successful in the future.

Do Our Elected Republican Officials Agree with These Principles?

I would recommend that all Tennessee Republicans go to the Tennessee Republican Party website and review the Guiding Principles.  Do you find yourself in agreement with the vast majority of them?  Do you believe that your local elected Republican officials act in accordance with them as they govern?  To me, this is a profound weakness. 

I believe that many of our elected Republicans do not agree with many of these principles.  And yet, there is no accountability!  That is why so many grassroots Republicans feel betrayed.  They believe that by electing Republicans they will be getting leadership rooted in these principles.  Sadly, they are often disappointed.

Every person who seeks to run for office as a Republican is required to pay a fee to the TN GOP for the “privilege” of running as a Republican.  When they pay that fee, they should have to submit a signed statement agreeing to govern by those principles. No signed statement means that you are not allowed to run as a Republican!  This would work the same as when a candidate does not pay the party the fee. 

I know, I know!  Some people will sign the statement and then do whatever they want.  True.  But, when election time rolls around, the constituents of that elected official would be able to challenge their being allowed to run as a Republican based upon their failure to keep their commitment. 

Access to run as a Republican would NOT be guaranteed to any previously elected official, but could be denied based upon their failure to govern according to the Guiding Principles.  The challenge would work like those regarding bona fides.  Letters are submitted, the case is reviewed by the relevant SEC members and the State Chair, and a decision is made on ballot access.  There could be an appeal made for the granting of a waiver. 

This Is Necessary and Long Overdue

This is a necessary step to make sure that those running for office as Republicans share a similar worldview and are running in order to advance our agreed-upon values.  We must stop those who merely want to use the Republican brand to advance their own personal agendas without regard to the wishes of grassroots Republicans.

Some will say that this process would divide the party.  I disagree.  I think that the greatest divisions we see in the party now are due to elected Republican office holders who steadfastly refuse to govern by the party’s Guiding Principles.  This reform is long overdue and is one of the things I will champion if I am elected to the Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committee.

Martin Ammons is a long-time conservative activist, the Treasurer of the Knox County Republican Party, and a candidate for Tennessee Republican Party State Executive Committeeman, District Six

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