The Republican Party was founded in 1854. Both of my grandfathers, who were alive in the 1850’s, became members of that newly founded American political party. Both were against slavery. Really, a bit remarkable for two Maryland Eastern Shoremen.

Today, it is significantly difficult to recognize the political party founded over 150 years ago.

Originally, the GOP was founded to end the oppressive institution of slavery and champion the cause of individual rights. Today, it appears the party of Lincoln has wandered away from its roots and philosophy of human rights.
The current crop of candidates in the Republican Party is, indeed, a diverse group. Some are experienced in statecraft; some are not. Some are well financed. Some are not. Some are libertarian. Some are not. Opinions and positions come from a wide range of viewpoints. Some are specific.

Some are not.

Demographics have and continue to shift rapidly in this country. The recent election of Paul Ryan, as House speaker signals a generation change in Washington. Consider that he is now second in line to the presidency. His main task, especially with the Republican Party, may be akin to herding cats. Not the stable and reliable GOP caucuses of the past.

When the highlights of the Republican debate focus on fantasy football or explaining their most significant weaknesses, it makes one wonder if you really see the Republican Party you previously knew. A great brain surgeon does not necessarily make a great president. Rookie senators, as we have learned from the current president, may not be seasoned enough to become the president of the United States.

Are the Republicans on the brink? Will the majorities in both houses of Congress be maintained in 2016? Will a Republican presidential candidate emerge who is capable of winning the White House? In politics, one runs to win and wins to govern. It is not possible to have one without the other. The central and critical question for all Republican candidates is: “Can I win the White House?”

In order to win the White House, the Republican Party must stay a center-right course, offer vastly new domestic solutions, and articulate a rational, realistic, coordinated foreign policy.

It must be a political party of realism and practicality. A political party of vision and ideals. It must be the party that believes as Lincoln did, that “the government should for the people only what they cannot do better by themselves.” A party that believes a good government is based on the individual and each person’s ability, dignity, freedom, and responsibility must be honored and recognized. A political party which believes in equal justice and equal opportunity for all. A party that understands the United States’ needs and advocates peace through strength. And, which provides for the common defense, while protecting our vital national interests throughout the world. Not the world’s policeman, but the world’s protector of freedom.

These tenets and beliefs are the Republican Party I understand. The Republican Party of Mac Mathias, Rogers Morton, Dwight Eisenhower, Jacob Javits, Bob Dole, and Jack Kemp. A Republican Party that represents my beliefs and a Party one can stand firmly behind.

Generally the term “art of the deal” is associated with Donald Trump and the bestselling book he authored; however, this phrase can now be associated with former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley. O’Malley is currently a candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States.

O’Malley proved he had learned the art of the deal as he and his wife Katie, a Baltimore City District Court judge, were preparing to leave the Governor’s Mansion after living there for eight years. Apparently they were in need of furniture for their new home in Baltimore City.

As if eight years of living in Government House with no rent, having a chef, free landscaping help, free transportation, and a security detail 24/7 were not enough benefits for the O’Malleys, they made a last minute deal to buy the Mansion furniture at a steep discount. A state agency declared the items “surplus,” a rather dubious claim. Knowing that some state bureaucrat showed positive support to the request of the governor and his wife should not surprise many Maryland voters. The old adage “birds of a feather flock together” may well apply here. These types of incidents exemplify the overly eager willingness of some in government to forget for whom they work. After all, their salaries are paid for by the tax-paying citizens of Maryland.

In too many incidents, in too many places today we see these types of deals being made. Not that this is a new phenomenon. Our history is full of incidents where we see that “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” To that one might add bureaucrats are always eager to please the boss.

With O’Malley saddled with over $300,000 in debt for educational bills for two of his children, perhaps he needed to find a source of “surplus” discounted furniture. Surely makes one speculate about the understanding of economics for a candidate for president of the United States.

Mr. O’Malley is strongly propounding an anti-Wall Street platform. Not surprising for a doctrinaire liberal with a political agenda. At the moment, that political agenda is to defeat Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for president; however, he knows that bashing Wall Street will provide political fodder in the battle with Clinton. Many of her top financial supporters have real ties to the money in New York. Would O’Malley turn down contributions from large banks and financial institutions? I think not.

This factor, along with O’Malley’s ability to make a deal for Government House furniture certainly are the types of actions that demonstrates that he is the same class with many others who have adopted the belief that they are somehow entitled. These actions have given rise to the belief by large segments of the American public that, indeed, all politicians have become corrupt.

O’Malley’s professed positions on financial institutions would increase taxes, add more regulations, and increase federal spending by enlarging several federal regulatory agencies.

This, at a time when banks are drowning under a sea of federal requirements and regulations, may cause some small institutions to actually fail.

Obviously Wall Street did need regulatory reforms and oversight as a result of the 2008 financial crises. However, as many “fixes” emanate from the federal government, kneejerk overreaction has caused problems. O’Malley’s proposals will add to existing frustration and unneeded federal intervention.

Making a questionable deal for “surplus” state-owned furniture and attacking already overburdened key economic institutions do not present the image nor vision of a candidate for the United States presidency.

As the Baltimore homicide rate climbs to a record number, a term that has not been frequently heard is “respect for life.”

Regardless of class, color, sexual orientation, or ethnicity, a central concept for human beings is respecting the life of all other people.

In hospital emergency rooms, at natural catastrophes, in medic transport vehicles, and in neighborhoods throughout America, citizens and first responders make heroic attempts to save precious lives. It is a natural response to save and respect life. But perhaps

it is not as commonplace in metropolitan areas, where drugs and guns prevail.

Unfortunately, significant amounts of tax free drug deals and self-centered feelings of importance are contributing factors that fuel the lack of respect for life.

This is an unfortunate and tragic circumstance; however, it is not only found in crime-ridden Baltimore, but in many locations across the country. The situation in Baltimore, as well as other similar places, needs national leadership and attention from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. Even in our nation’s Capitol, respect for life is now under attack, resulting in a record number of slayings thus far this year.

In addition to implementing new policies regarding community policing, one of the root causes for the spate of murders and crime activity has to be a wanton disregard for human life. Yes, all lives do matter, as evidenced by the assassination of two television staff, in Roanoke, Virginia demonstrates. Statistics prove that homicides in the inner city are unfortunately black on black crimes. There must be abundant feelings in that community that a respect for life is indeed a central ingredient of the human condition.

There are two pertinent quotes from a couple of very different, famous, and distinguished Americans regarding the respect of human life, trust, and understanding. The trailblazing American baseball player Jackie Robinson said, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me…All I ask is you respect me as a human being.”

And late General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower told Americans, “This world of ours…must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.”

Although those comments came when America was in a different time and place, the wisdom and sentiments express, hopefully, the universal beliefs of human beings today.

Baltimore and the rest of the nation cannot afford to continue being decimated by murder and uncontrolled street violence.
Real conversations, real action by the authorities, and real intervention by churches are all needed now. Not just window dressing programs and slogans by city officials. Not just minimal changes and involvement in police tactics and not just lip service by the clergy. All of these institutions need to step up to the plate and emphasize that a key element of public safety in neighborhoods is respect for life.

Reality demands action and leadership. Surely, in a city of over 600,000 citizens, leaders can be found, and agencies, institutions, and the business sectors actually collaborate. This requires the involvement of the political will of voters, timely and competent leadership by elected officials, and the steady and committed action of the churches.

Baltimore City must act now to shed the scars of riots, looting, and destruction…the ongoing reputation for crime and lawlessness. The inequities of the past, and possibilities for the future, must be addressed now while many citizens still demonstrate a respect for life.

Donald Trump may not be the best candidate for President of the United States, but he may win the Republican nomination. Unfortunately, Washington is currently a total failure and there is significant dissatisfaction with the governing class throughout the nation. This reminds me of the “silent majority” when Richard Nixon was elected President. Trump may never be President; however, he has touched the angst that has been festering for years and years, election after election.

This early in the presidential campaign, some polls now have Trump only six points behind Hillary Clinton. This may well demonstrate Trump’s appeal and Hillary’s vulnerability. Trump makes points that resonate with Republican voters and appears to be gaining strength with independents and even some Democrats.

Of course, Trump has yet to acknowledge that it will be impossible to implement his proposals without the support of the U.S. Congress. He will need a Republican Senate and House in order to be successful. And his continual bashing of Congress will not help him achieve his objectives.

Trump, a born salesman and showman, is selling numerous ideas that may be thin on details, but appeal to many Americans’ instincts. The current administration and its former Secretary of State have disappointed and disaffected many American voters.

The Republican Party needs to understand the Trump surge and its message…the desire for change and a strong leader…the willingness to listen to straight talk…the hankering for a strong military…the urgency to take measures to deal with the nation’s immigration dilemma. These and the availability of good paying jobs are all issues that affect most Americans. Apparently, many voters see the need for a change and Trump offers promises, if not specifics.

The GOP race for the nomination for President has numerous candidates vying for the top spot. They are competent candidates with interesting positions on the issues. There are some candidates whose appeal is mainly directed at specific segments of the Republican Party, but certainly do not have the broad appeal to win the White House in 2016.

In politics, you run to win and win to govern. Perhaps the foremost challenge for the GOP in the next election will be choosing a nominee who can win the presidency.

It is painfully clear, after eight years of the current administration, that the U.S. has many major challenges, both foreign and domestic. The challenges in foreign policy are tremendous. The Iran deal, the threats from an aggressive Russia, the continued threat of ISIS, the implosion of Iraq, the need for support of freedom in Ukraine, and the economic rise of China are only a few of the challenges facing the next President of the United States.

It will take a strong, informed, and thoughtful leader to handle these challenges and threats, let alone the many domestic issues plaguing the United States.

The voters of the nation chose for the last eight years to elect a President whose programs and directions have not settled well with many Americans; therefore, it becomes imperative for the Republican Party to select as the nominee a candidate with views that differ from the current group of Democratic candidates.

The possibility of moving even further to the left or perpetuating the liberal dogma of the past are the only options these candidates appear to offer.

The Republican Party and its message must appeal to the center of the American electorate.
Donald Trump…really?!

As a Democratic candidate for the office of president of the United States, former Maryland Governor and Baltimore City Mayor Martin O’Malley offers an interesting insight into the issue of finances and being a candidate for the highest office in the land.

O’Malley has little accumulated personal wealth. He was paid $150,000 as governor of Maryland and his wife, whose father is former Maryland Attorney General Joe Curran, is a district court judge.

It appears that political posturing and inside politics may have been at play. However, her appointment was little questioned in a state with 2-1 Democrat registration and, at the time of her appointment, a Democratic governor and Democratic legislature.

O’Malley surely represents the professional class of which there are too many in both Washington and Annapolis.

Now, I personally am opposed to the amounts of money being infused into all elections, whether spent in local, state, or national elections. What prevents elected officials from being indebted to their contributors?

There is no free lunch in politics.

O’Malley, who currently is not faring well in national political polls, has raised some $2 million dollars for his campaign. Most of this money has been raised in the Washington, D.C. suburbs where he grew up, and from the Baltimore area, both of these being liberal bastions. All of the figures alluded to here were, as required by law, reported to the Federal Election Commission last week.

Should lighting strike and the Democratic nomination become a real horserace, O’Malley may have a problem as the current frontrunner, Hillary Clinton, has an entirely different personal financial situation and has already raised many millions of dollars. The filings from the Federal Election Commission indicate that O’Malley would not be able to loan his own campaign substantial money.

Then there is Jeb Bush, a Republican candidate who has made some $29 million after leaving office as governor in 2007. Thus far, he has raised multiple millions of dollars.

Can O’Malley raise the amount of money needed to stay in the presidential race? The question remains problematic at this point in the race to the nomination. Since money is the mother’s milk of politics and is a competitive struggle for dollars for the 2016 nomination, O’Malley will have find a more successful and aggressive way to raise money.

One wonders why O’Malley is really running for president. It is obvious that the money raised for his campaign allows him to fly around the country and enjoy many of the perks he enjoyed in his days as governor. His only non-political jobs are as an ad hoc professor at Johns Hopkins University and as a board member of a Baltimore-based technology firm.

There is no doubt that campaign reform is seriously needed. It appears neither Congress nor the American electorate has yet established the political will to make reform a national priority.

Martin O’Malley, at this time has neither the financing nor the support to win the Democrat nomination for President.

His would appear to be mostly on an ego-driven campaign based on the liberal record he established as governor of Maryland. Even in Democrat-dominated Maryland, his policies were rejected and a Republican elected governor.

 

The killing of nine human beings in a Charleston, S.C. church was a tragedy. Now, a debate has begun, especially on cable television, about what description to use to characterize the horrible killings. It was a hate crime, an act of terror and, to put it plainly, murder. Murder in a church, while people are studying the Bible and praying, should not ever happen in the United States of America. The fact that those killed were black makes this event even more of a horrendous, out of place event.

It is clear that racial tension continues to spark hate crimes. The man accused of perpetrating this crime represented real and active evil. He chose racial hatred to demonstrate the evil dominating his troubled and perhaps drugged mind.

Communities all across the nation have been stunned and saddened. Communities all across the country have watched the horror and sorrow in Charleston.

The assertion that the alleged murderer “wanted to start a race war” has no place in the America of the 21st century. Yes, there is racial animosity in this country. The national conversation regarding racial inequality that is often alluded to needs to begin and spread through towns and cities throughout America. Even with memories of the Civil
War and the impact of the Civil Rights movement, some minds and hearts remain hardened and prejudiced.

In the Charleston case, it appears that drugs may have played a role in the Emanuel A.M.E. slaying. Drugs are ruining too many lives in America. There are sufficient gun laws in this country at present. More restrictive gun laws would not have prevented the nine lives massacred in a place of worship.

The members of the church who were worshiping in Charleston graciously welcomed a stranger into their midst. Church and worship are a pillar of black communities all across the United States. The fear initiated in South Carolina may permeate churches of all faiths, colors, and creeds. Fear in any place of worship is simply not acceptable. Evil incarnate will never consume our faith.

Perhaps unbelievable, nine committed Christian lives were needlessly lost in one night in a church. Let’s sincerely hope that the accused acted alone. The era of racist-centered organizations should be history in the United States. Now, South Carolina needs to examine seriously the removal of the Confederate flag from places of prominence. The vestiges of hate, terror, and white supremacy have no place in our society, except in museums.

When I was a young person, I remember a children’s song saying “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His (God’s) sight.” The taking of precious lives, for whatever warped reason, is never acceptable or to be condoned.

Let us, as Americans, engage in all endeavors that will help to ensure that a similar incident as the carnage in Charleston never happens again.

This event was indeed an act of terror and bigotry. Perhaps it will serve as a wake-up call for America. Let us hope.

Martin O’ Malley is on the march again, this time seeking the Democratic nomination for the presidency of the United States.

O’Malley served two terms as mayor of Baltimore and two terms as governor of Maryland. He has probably been running for President since serving his first term in the Baltimore City Council.

As a Democrat and a progressive liberal, he is most likely to run to the left of Hillary Clinton. He has quite a challenge before him.

During his two terms as governor, O’Malley established a record as a tax and spend leader. Is this the type of President the nation wants to elect in 2016?

O’Malley never met a tax he did not like, including the infamous “rain tax,” which has now been significantly altered. His fiscal policies and liberal positions resulted in the election of Republican Governor Larry Hogan in the recent election. His zero tolerance policing policy and CityStat program are now being questioned regarding the issues associated with the riots and unrest in Baltimore City.

Ah, but the American people may be asked to consider him for President of the United States. Is O’Malley really running for President or hoping to be the vice presidential candidate with Hillary? Or is he positioning himself for 2020? All are interesting theories to watch in the game of politics.

O’Malley understands that game very well. He is in some ways a younger version of Bill Clinton who has lead an Irish rock band and will use this talent in his initial run for the White House. Remember, he won his first term as mayor of Baltimore by benefiting by the split votes between two other candidates; an interesting record going into the 2016 presidential campaign.

However, O’Malley’s timing may have been a bit off as Senator Bernie, the socialist senator from Vermont, has also announced he is a Democratic candidate for President. Could this take a bit of the edge off of the O’Malley candidacy? Time will tell.

As an underdog and in the face of the Hillary machine and fundraising ability, O’Malley has a long row to hoe and significant obstacles to overcome. However, simply announcing he is a candidate for President will gain him name recognition and visibility. His supporters have established a SuperPac, allowing O’Malley to secure adequate financing to play in the big league of American politics.

After the riots in Baltimore, the city he led for eight years, O’Malley says he has a message to share with the American people. Will this message resonate with voters or give them pause as they consider the candidates for President of the United States?

O’Malley will now have to formulate and articulate policies on national security, economic policy, foreign policy and many other issues facing the American people. He cannot just strum his guitar and expect to be elected President.

O’Malley is the first announced candidate for President to have a counter demonstration occur during the big announcement roll out event. And, O’Malley’s event was held in Federal Hill in Baltimore.

The last former Governor of Maryland to engage in a Democratic primary for President was Albert Cabell Ritchie. He did not fare to well against Franklin D.
Roosevelt; but he did not play a guitar in his quest for the presidency.

Look out Hillary, here comes O’Malley’s March.

In Baltimore, a tale of two cities did not begin on April 18. It began decades ago with the loss of manufacturing jobs, the diminution of a quality education system, the continued rise in the crime rate, the breakdown in the family unit, and the neglect of the city fathers to address these issues, especially in the central city.

However deplorable these conditions may be, there is no way to condone the riots and violence that the inner city experienced. The economic damage to Baltimore—the economic engine of Maryland—has been significant. The new reality, which recently evolved in Baltimore, will surely lead to changes in our society, our legal system, and our culture throughout the United States. According the 2010 U.S. Census, 42 million people or 14 percent of the people in the United States identified themselves as Black, either alone or in combination with one or more other races. This group of Americans of African descent often continue to be clustered in center city, in decaying neighborhoods where failure upon failure has been evidenced over decades. As serious as the issues are, rioting, looting, burning, and damaging property are not the solutions to any problems in this country.

As fires raged, police cars torched, rocks thrown, and windows broken, anarchy was a thought running through many minds. In this nation based on the rule of law, equal justice under law still matters.

Burning and boogying both took place in Baltimore this last week. Both revolt and victory were in the air. The rush to apply justice by the quick indictments presented by Baltimore City’s States Attorney Marilyn Mosby must not be allowed to impede the administration of equal justice under the law.

The press coverage of the unrest in Baltimore was mostly unfair and contributed to the rapidly tarnishing reputation of the city. The role of the press in America has drastically changed. No longer fair and neutral, opinion, bias, and editorializing appear to have significantly affected the events occurring in Charm City. The abrogation of responsibility by citizens, young and old, is no justification for violent acts and rejection of authority. When the rule of law fails, democracy fails.

We all know the United States is not perfect. There have always been challenges and consternation. But violence and mayhem have never been the answer for this nation, and Baltimore City is no exception.

The short- and long-range economic impact of the unrest in Baltimore will last a very long time. It will take time to evaluate the economic loss endured by the city of Baltimore.

In addition to economic issues, the issue of class has been highly evident and dramatically apparent in the Baltimore demonstrations; violence has brought this issue to the attention of all citizens in the entire nation.

Certainly the elections to be held in 2016 will be affected the events of last week in Baltimore. Both the Democrat and Republican parties will be forced to address this American dilemma. One more issue piled on a plateful of serious issues, both foreign and domestic, to be debated and reviewed as the upcoming election nears.

Perhaps the tale of two cities—or two very different faces of the same city as so vividly demonstrated in Baltimore—will serve as notice that this nation is indeed changing. We are living with a new reality and a new dynamic. Let us hope that this new reality will allow the United States to survive, thrive, and meet the needs and dreams of all citizens.

This reality will take a new vision and a new understanding while maintaining our democracy and the rule of law.

Hillary Rodham Clinton has announced that she is again officially running for President. Her announcement was long anticipated. Her path has not been, nor will it be, a smooth one. She definitely brought baggage to her earlier run to procure the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. And controversy is already haunting her this year as the debate over her email usage has become an issue regarding her honesty and trustworthiness. However, her audacity and zeal to become President are amazing.

Much has changed in this country and the world since Hillary Clinton had a limited or truncated term as a U. S. Senator and as Secretary of State…not an extensive as she begins another presidential campaign. Today, the international threat of terrorism is significantly more prevalent and growing. Has Hillary a position and plan to deal with this matter?

The Iran nuke “deal,” although still in the negotiation stage, is controversial and may fall apart. The situation in the Ukraine is very unsettled, and the push by Putin for more power and territory remains a challenge. In this case, the response of the United States has been weak and not as effective as it should have been. Then there is the continuing rise of China with all the complications that issue brings to U.S. foreign policy.

The office of the President of the United States should not be a reward for political survival. At this point, little is known on where Ms. Clinton stands on many of the critical issues facing the United States today. Let’s hope this matter improves during her coronation process if that is the way the primary season for the Democratic Party proceeds.

With her announcement, Hillary is hoping her previous baggage will go away, and the American electorate will not have Clinton fatigue. What does Hillary stand for? What are her world views? What are her ideas on domestic issues and how to address them? Can she make the hard decisions of a Commander and Chief?

Ms. Clinton has questions to answer. The American people deserve these answers. Seeking to be the first female president and perpetuate a family dynasty are not good reasons to elect a candidate for President. The issue of dynasty also haunts Jeb Bush.

Perhaps some Republican operatives and potential Democratic candidates are correct, new faces and new ideas are wanted and needed in this campaign.

Hillary Clinton did not have an extremely outstanding record as Secretary of State. Air miles and photo ops do not a statesman make. Her “reset” with Russia failed, and other international achievements are difficult to recall. Negotiations with Iran, and any deal made there will certainly be a large piece of foreign policy found on the plate of the next President of the United States.

Then there is the Republican majority in Congress with whom the next President must try to work. The current relationship between the Democratic President and the

Republican Congress is not outstanding. Can Mrs. Clinton deal effectively with the Republicans controlling the Congress?

As Hillary’s second quest begins, she appears to be recasting herself and her campaign. Will this recasting be as much a failure as her “reset” with Russia?

The 2016 campaign is young. Mrs. Clinton certainly dominates the Democratic field at the moment. Will this domination and potential coronation be a fact in the fall?

During his presidency, Bill Clinton, after a defeat, said, “ I am still relevant”.

Perhaps Hillary is attempting to ascertain if she is still relevant in 2016.

The old saying, “Too many cooks spoil the broth,” may well apply to the number of candidates and potential candidates for the Republican nomination for President in 2016.

The only announced candidate is Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. There is a large cast of characters waiting in the wings who are, as of now, unannounced. After eight years of the current administration, Republicans are most desirous of capturing the White House in 2016, but it is questionable if this deluge of candidates will be helpful and healthy for the GOP.

With the presidential primary season just beginning to become active, the Democrats appear to have already settled on former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. However, Emailgate and other troubles may have at present thrown her campaign off-track or perhaps given it a fatal blow.

There appear to not be any truly viable candidates in the wings for the Democrats. Former Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland is running around the country attempting to drum up support for his potential candidacy. It appears he has forgotten the recent rejection of his administration by Maryland voters. That and his very liberal philosophy should be a warning to voters throughout the United States. Can he convince voters that he is presidential timber? That could be a tall order.

Republicans need to better enunciate their plans to revive the nation’s economy and to create and sustain a viable foreign policy. The new President must improve U.S. relations between many nations, especially Israel. The Republicans need to remember that you run to win and win to govern. This challenge makes it imperative that the political party that wins the White House in 2016 must communicate effectively with the American electorate.

At this point in American history, both political parties seem to be regurgitating old ideas and concepts. Obviously, new ideas and outlooks are needed in the world of today, with so many issues and problems abounding.

It is interesting to note that three of the potential candidates for the Presidency were elected Senators in close races and have had very limited service in the U.S. Senate. These candidates reflect the experience of the current occupant of the White House. While articulate, these potential candidates are not seasoned executives with the administrative experience that comes from serving as a governor.

There are a number of governors or former governors seeking the Republican nomination. The strength of the Republican may lie within this group. These people have had to make hard decisions, compromise when possible, balance budgets, and face the results of natural disasters. Governor John Kasich of Ohio may be a prime example of this type of state executive.

The dilemma facing the Republican Party is selecting a candidate who has the qualities of winnability, sincerity, vision, and honesty. Where is Abe Lincoln when his party needs him?

The battle for the Republican nomination for President will be full of twists and turns. Candidates will rise and fall as the primary season develops. The real challenge for the Republican Party will be to choose a candidate who can win and lead the nation toward progress, prosperity, and safety.