Make Them Feel The Heat

“There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.” The genius of William Shakespeare is in his ability to clearly identify innate human truths which would otherwise be buried in our collective subconscious. In politics, as in all things human, standing up and fighting for what you believe in, though not always the easiest and most expedient thing to do, is surely the most rewarding. The National Republican Party is at a philosophical crossroads between a growing conservative movement and an antiquated conciliatory stance. Grassroots, conservative candidates are challenging Republican Party favorites in primaries throughout the nation. Many state party leaders have embraced this shift in momentum back to its Reagan roots. Many other states, however, are reluctant to follow suit. It is a difficult transition for any organization to disassociate itself from long held members of esteem and outdated modes of operation. The new Republican movement lacks the large cash reserves and political connections of the old party faithful. However, what it lacks in these categories it makes up for as a conduit of the public will. It expresses, through various social networks, rallies and literature, what many Americans are feeling in these discouraging times. The choice for the Republican Party in this midterm election cycle is a choice between short term political expediency and long term philosophical gains. The political drama now unfolding in the state of Florida is both revealing and emblematic of things to come.


Marco Rubio has emerged as the Florida Republican candidate of choice for the U.S. Senate. Rubio has had to contend with Florida’s current Governor Charlie Crist for the state’s party endorsement. With a strong display of principled, energetic and idea-driven leadership, he has achieved remarkable success. Rubio, a four term leader in Florida’s House of Representatives, has gained support with a consistent message of tax reform, school choice and American exceptionalism. Despite his disadvantage to Governor Crist in funding and political connections, he has earned the confidence and trust of Florida’s Republican base.


A grassroots, conservative movement is burgeoning in New York as well. Many New York citizen/activists are seeking to nominate their own versions of Rubio-Republicans. Though the State apparatus is yet to fully embrace these candidates, the response in Florida, with its large population of transplanted New Yorkers, may prove a harbinger of things to come. Smithtown’s own Mike Fitzpatrick has become Long Island’s adaptation of the Rubio-Republican. Fitzpatrick, a four term member of the New York State Assembly, has entered the race for Congress in New York’s 1st congressional district. Although Fitzpatrick now faces tough competition from candidates with large cash reserves, he has the most proven conservative record and the strongest popular appeal. With the support of a well run Republican machine, such as Smithtown’s, Fitzpatrick may certainly achieve a success akin to Rubio’s. Upon acquiring the Republican nod, Fitzpatrick’s message of tax cuts, pension reform and fiscal conservation is likely to resonate well with the people of Suffolk County and earn him a November victory.


Whether New York Republicans will go the route of their Floridian brethren is open to debate. The most important thing, however, is that the voice of the people be heard. The emergence of Rubio-Republicans, as a significant political force, is a direct reaction to the will of the people. Win or lose, these candidates will necessitate meaningful reform within the Republican Party. Registered Republicans, throughout the land, are energized and are mobilizing in support of conservative candidates. Everyday citizens are searching for new leaders who can better relate to their conservative points of view. They are seeking to elect men and woman who share in their traditional American values, regardless of party affiliation. The Republican leadership would be wise to respond to the calls of this constituency. After all, it was Ronald Reagan, father of the conservative movement, who said “when you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.”


Jeremy Pitcoff
Smithtown Republican Committeeman