Boehner, In His Role As Cheerleader, Says GOP Can Win

Wed. Apr. 30, 2008


House Minority Leader Boehner presented his Republican colleagues today with a PowerPoint presentation detailing "Why We Can Win." Boehner said that while Democrats have a significant financial advantage, money doesn't necessarily lead to success at the polls. After all, he said, Republicans were outspent in years that were good for them, including in 1994, 2000 and 2004. The presentation, aimed at boosting the confidence of Republican members in what could be a difficult year, focused on how presumptive GOP presidential nominee Sen. John McCain of Arizona can help the ticket and played up the financial advantage the Republican National Committee has over the Democratic National Committee. But the 18-slide outline made only one direct mention of the embattled National Republican Congressional Committee. On the 15th slide, Boehner directed members to "pay your NRCC dues."

The presentation conceded the disadvantage from 29 Republican retirements, but it mentioned only six Republican candidates by name as examples of good candidates the party has recruited. In addition to McCain, Boehner's pitch called President Bush and the Democratic frontrunner, Sen. Barack Obama, assets for Republican candidates. At a news conference afterward, House Republican Conference Chairman Adam Putnam of Florida called Boehner's presentation a "thoughtful analysis" that focused on "the strength of the McCain ticket, the damage that is being done to the Democratic brand by the ongoing fight between Sen. Obama and Sen. [Hillary Rodham] Clinton" and the sense that McCain is the GOP's strongest possible nominee in areas where House Republican candidates can compete to retain and perhaps pick up seats. Putnam also said plans are being made for the annual President's Dinner June 18 that Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling will chair with the goal of raising $7 million for the NRCC. Putnam made the point that the dinner will serve as a chance to highlight party unity with McCain and Bush -- a jab at the dueling Democratic contenders.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesman Doug Thornell said Boehner's presentation strayed from the facts. "Based on the fiction contained in John Boehner's presentation, it appears that, like George Bush, he is also in search of a magic wand," he said. "The reality for Republicans is that they are saddled with deeply flawed candidates and have no credibility with the American people on important issues like the economy, health care, or standing up to special interests. If Boehner wants to hitch his wagon to George Bush's legacy, he can go right ahead."

by Erin McPike

Wed. Apr. 30, 2008