Race for GOP Chair: Who Can Rebuild the Party?

Race for GOP Chair: Who Can Rebuild the Party?

This weekend Republicans from around Rhode Island will gather to determine the fate of their party moving forward. Failure to make significant gains in the past election cycle has left the RIGOP bloodied and bruised with little to show for its efforts. Current Chairman, Giovanni Cicione, is vacating his post leaving the door open for a new chairman, but more importantly, a new direction.

To be frank, the state party is in shambles. The RIGOP’s latest initiative, ‘Clean Slate,’ failed to produce the expected outcome and virtually drained the party’s budget. The new chairman will be starting from scratch. With virtually nothing left to lose (Republicans hold no statewide elected offices. Democrats occupy 29 of 38 Senate seats and 65 of 75 seats in the House) the next chairman will be tasked with the seemingly impossible; how to take down the Democrats.

For the two candidates, decades of one party control have spurred their initiatives. Both Ken McKay, former Chief of Staff to Michael Steele, and Patrick Sweeney, former deputy campaign manager for John Loughlin, feel that they can spearhead the effort to regain the majority.

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The Candidates

Ken McKay has quite the resume. A lawyer by trade, McKay also ran both of Gov. Carcieri’s successful election bids. Most notably, he served as Michael Steele’s Chief of Staff at the RNC from 2007-2010. While a very prominent position, it didn’t come without its pitfalls. McKay was forced to resign last April after an unauthorized expenditure at a nightclub in California caused a rift within the party. While McKay was not directly responsible, he took the blame and stepped down. Most recently McKay acted as a campaign consultant for Florida Gov. Rick Scott.

It is obvious that McKay brings a vast amount of experience and connections to the table, something the RIGOP hasn’t had in years. McKay recognizes that fundraising is the most important component to the state party. Given his various positions nationally, I do not doubt his ability to create a steady revenue stream into Rhode Island for Republicans.

Though McKay has been out of the Rhode Island political scene for several years, we cannot discount his ability to win elections in the Ocean State. Gov. Carcieri’s consecutive victories remain one of very few bright spots for Republicans. Securing GOP victories are at the top of both candidates’ priority sheets, and McKay certainly has the background to produce that outcome. Even with all of his experience, will McKay’s past result in his eventual downfall? It is difficult to determine how much of an impact the RNC scandal will have on this race. Delegates will ultimately have to decide if the risk is worth the reward.

Patrick Sweeney represents the new demographic of a Rhode Island Republican. Sweeney cut his teeth with the Rhode Island Young Republicans and remains a board member. He works as an attorney, but is well versed in the Rhode Island political scene given his experience as a member of Gov. Carcieri’s staff and deputy campaign manager for John Loughlin. He admittedly lacks the national connections, but that doesn’t faze him. What Sweeney lacks in connections he makes up for in desire. Winning races remains his number one priority and he has traveled the state preaching that message.

The core of Sweeney’s support rests in the YR’s across the state. He will have to rely on this traditionally active group if he has any chance of pulling out a victory. The work Sweeney has put into his race is undeniable. His enthusiasm and drive are characteristics that the state party desperately needs.

The Bottom Line

Both McKay and Sweeney bring necessary qualities to the position. The new chairman will have to rebuild the party from the ground up. It is no secret that money can make or break an election. During a time of great uncertainty, this decision will weigh heavily during the next several campaign cycles. Republicans may have a similar opportunity in 2012 that they had in 2010, and if Rhode Island falls behind the national curve once again it may foreshadow disaster in the coming years. As more conservative Rhode Islanders move out of state, the party may not be able to recover.

The new chairman will also be faced with the task of finding credible candidates to run statewide. It seems for each election the same handful of names are thrown around with little incentive for newcomers to jump in. Freshmen candidates are often left to fend for themselves against seasoned, well equipped, Democrats. The fact that John Robitaille nearly managed to pull out a win against Gov. Chafee is a positive sign given the circumstances. Significantly underfunded, Rhode Island Republicans remain resilient. The issue for Republicans does not rest in messaging, merely the ability to keep up with their adversaries.

That being said, I do not expect to see tight race this weekend. As much as I respect the passion and work ethic shown by Sweeney, I don’t think this underdog will be able to pull it off. McKay simply brings too much to the table for Rhode Island Republicans to pass up. Fundraising has without a doubt been the largest problem facing the party. His work for the national committee cannot be understated. The ability to get the national players involved early can completely change the landscape of a race. Many wonder if lack of sufficient funds cost several statewide candidates this past cycle. Nevertheless, McKay is the only man in this race who can reach outside of Rhode Island to get the major players involved.

While a victory for either candidate will be sweet, it will be short-lived. The real test will be picking up the pieces of a broken party structure. Rhode Island Republicans need a leader now more than ever. Only time will tell if the party has finally taken a step in the right direction.

Matt Oczkowski is a political communications specialist, new media consultant and former staff member of John Robitaille. He lives and works seasonally between Newport and Connecticut.