In politics, there is a time-honored tradition of undercutting your opponent’s support by adopting his more popular positions.  In political jargon, it is called “triangulation.”  Since the November 4 elections, prominent Republicans and conservative commentators have warned of continued electoral disaster if the GOP refuses to shift its stances on a number of issues.  There is some validity to this, to a degree.

Without a doubt, there are Republicans that adhere to orthodoxy too rigid for today’s electorate, just as there are Republican “moderates” and “mavericks” who are, in fact, liberal Democrats.  If we are going to take control of our party, achieve electoral success and move this country back in the right direction, we will have to make some concessions, adjust some positions, and admit we have made mistakes.

What we cannot do, however, is abandon our core principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and economic freedom.  As New Yorkers, we have seen what happens when Republicans, facing electoral uncertainty, shift too far left and not only lose the election, but their party’s identity as a result.

In 1974, Republicans lost control of the New York State Assembly.  Since then, Assembly Republican membership has shifted left, state government has grown exponentially, and Assembly Democrats now outnumber Republicans 109-41.  The New York State Senate was in the firm control of Republicans for 40 years.  However, in the past decade, entrenched Republicans took triangulation to another level, working to strengthen the power of unions, refusing to discuss spending cuts, and justifying higher taxes.

It should come as no surprise that this ideological shift strengthened liberal coalition bases, and resulted in landslide losses this past November, and a state Senate now controlled by the Democrats.  New York’s GOP is on life support.  Similar power shifts have occurred in New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The lesson is clear: Republicans cannot win as Democrats.  

In the end, if a voter leans to the left, they will probably prefer the real thing the moment before they pull the lever.   The experiences of New York Republicans should be a testament to that, and a warning to Republicans throughout the nation to proceed toward triangulation with caution.

What then can be done to secure our party’s future?  It begins with altering our approach, not our principles.  We have to end the baseless attacks on our opponents, and focus on promoting our ideas.  The poor, the middle class, the young, and the old can benefit from economic liberty.  The lives of African-Americans, Hispanics, and every minority can be improved through lower taxes, targeted community investment, and an end to discriminatory policies.  Every single one of us would be better off if we restrained government intervention into our private lives.

Here in New York, Republicans can utilize the state’s fiscal crisis to draw a distinct contrast with Democrats and carve out a fresh party identity.  Facing a historic deficit, high taxes and rising long term debt, the public will never be wearier of special interest propaganda or more ready for a message of restraint and fiscal responsibility.  The New York GOP has a golden opportunity to rediscover their principles, while strengthening and building new coalitions.     

Nationally, Republicans must present a viable, lower-cost alternative to every policy proposal put forth by the Obama administration that is built upon liberal orthodoxy.  That is our challenge.  We will not be able to win every battle, but by focusing on presenting alternatives, rather than salacious attacks, we will be able to provide Americans with a clear choice to every proposal and strengthen our party.

Our core principles rise from the belief that you can achieve anything in this country if you just work hard and take responsibility.  That is why it is on us to promote our ideals and demonstrate in our actions why the GOP is still the best hope for achieving the American Dream.