One would think that Christie's voice would be welcomed as the GOP begins to analyze the results of last November's gubernatorial election, learn from its mistakes and search for a path forward. After all, Christie is one of only three Republicans to win the governor's office in half a century. In a stunning victory, he unseated an incumbent in 2009 and was re-elected by a near record margin in 2013. He's the last Republican to win statewide in New Jersey. Yet, some within the state GOP don't seem to want to hear from the Big Guy.
Yes, Christie has always been brash, opinionated and often confrontational. But, so what? The GOP in New Jersey today seems to have nowhere to go but up. Can a bit of sometimes uncomfortable straight talk do any greater harm than that which the party has already suffered? Indeed, maybe the ailing party can benefit from the hands-on approach of a doctor who may lack a bedside manner but comes equipped with genuine bona fides and perhaps a tonic that may have it back on its feet again.
We ask you: isn't this a time for all voices within the party to be heard? No notion or idea or person who has something to say should be dismissed out of hand. Certainly, democracy would demand as much, not to mention basic pragmatism and a sense of healing. Face it: this is no time for Republicans in New Jersey to be fighting one another; unless, of course, they simply want to fight over how to lose the next election, and that's what they'll be doing if they don't come together -- all of them, in good faith -- to move forward.
The Grand Old Party has faced greater challenges and come back to win before and it can do so again if it follows what Governor Tom Kean called the politics of inclusion.
So, put aside petty personality differences and destructive grudges and put on your Big Boy pants, Republicans. Get beyond the me, get to the we and let every voice be heard!
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