On policy and political competition

Commentary from John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute.

Now that Rick Santorum has suspended his presidential campaign, the Republican Party is beginning to close ranks behind Mitt Romney. Although it took until summertime in 2008, the Democrats did the same thing and closed ranks behind Obama once it was clear he would be the nominee.

In the political sphere, this is how it usually works. People on the same team compete during primaries. Feelings get hurt. But once the votes are taken and the outcome known, people usually put the past behind them and move on to common purpose.

I don’t point this out to say whether Republicans should unite behind Romney – I’m not going to go there. But the point is that within political movements, there comes a time where the infighting must come to a halt so we can focus on the real enemy: high taxes, big government and intrusions to personal and economic liberty both in the U.S. and in Illinois.

This can be challenging, especially in the broader center-right movement here in Illinois where we have year-round competition. People compete throughout the year for influence, for money, for media attention and for the mantle of leadership. There is nothing wrong with this competition – it is normal, even desirable.

After all, we learn a lot about people when they compete – such as when Newt Gingrich went after Romney for being a successful capitalist. The former Speaker began using the class warfare rhetoric so near and dear to President Obama to relentlessly attack Romney. It didn’t work for a simple reason – GOP primary voters could see that Gingrich was putting his personal agenda ahead of what was best for the party. This repelled voters and Gingrich’s candidacy began to implode. The lesson here is: People can see the difference between those who pursue their personal agenda while building the larger cause, versus those who weaken the larger cause. Most of us prefer builders.

With the presidential nominating process nearing completion and the Illinois primary behind us, we all have a great opportunity to discern the builders nationally and here in Illinois. As you observe the various comments and actions by people in the political and policy arenas, ask yourself a simple question: Is this person advancing their personal agenda at the expense of the liberty movement? Or are they building the liberty movement?

Why do I bring this up now?  I am deeply aware that to honor the Founders’ gift, it is up to each of us to keep building and thus see that liberty prevails. This must happen across America and right here in Illinois.

We need more builders. Will you join us?