Bob McDonnell on the GOP’s Anniversary

The Anniversary of our Party
3/20/2007 7:18:00 PM

153 years ago today, in a small town in snowy Wisconsin, the Republican Party was born. On that day former members of the recently defunct Whig Party came together to launch a new political party, one that would transform the nation and change the world. The party they created is the one that today is the majority party in the Commonwealth and has brought historic and constructive change to Virginia, the nation, and the world.

When those former Whigs gathered in Wisconsin, they were northerners all. Today, the party of the North has grown to cover every region of our country. There are many reasons for this growth, but I fully believe that the underlying reason can be found in the ideals and principles espoused at that meeting in Ripon, Wisconsin 153 years ago today.

Republicans believe in the rule of law, the right to individual freedom, the opportunities created by free-markets, and traditional values. These and other timeless principles guide our policy decisions on the constantly changing issues faced by each generation. They are the foundation of our Party, and can be seen at work throughout our history.

The Republican Party of the 1850’s called for the freedom and dignity of all Americans, no matter their location, no matter their color. The Party called for an economy based on market principles, rewarding ingenuity and skill. The Party’s first successful! candida te for President, Abraham Lincoln, led America through the perilous Civil War.

In the early 1900’s it was Republican President Theodore Roosevelt who secured the Panama Canal, preserved vast stretches of priceless wilderness, and called for a free-market that was fair and equitable.

In the 1950’s Dwight Eisenhower stood up to the growing Communist threat, and established our national Interstate system, which played a large role in facilitating the nation’s post-World War II economic boom.

In the 1980’s Ronald Reagan planted the seeds for defeat of the Communist empire in Europe, oversaw an expansion of our national economy, and reminded all Americans of the greatness of our nation and its people.

Over the past 6 years, President Bush and Congressional Republicans have passed historic tax cuts generating tremendous economic growth, battled the terrorists responsible for 9-11, and appointed numerous federal judges dedicated to the rule of law.

Repu blicans have a history of leaders with good ideas and strong values, and this can be seen right here in Virginia as well. The legacy of the Allen and Gilmore governorships in the 1990’s has recently earned Virginia the rating of the most business-friendly state in the nation by Forbes Magazine, and the best managed state in the nation by Governing Magazine. Crime is down substantially, and unemployment is near an all-time low. As I write this, major Republican solutions on youth Internet safety and transportation are on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature. The Republican commitment to proactive solutions based on timeless principles continues to improve our quality of life.

From Ripon to Reagan to Richmond, the Republican Party has been responsible for policies and actions that have led to the freedom and well-being of millions of individuals. Today, as we look back over the past 153 years, may we resolve to make the legacy of our past the foundation for an even greater future.

Bob McDonnell

Note: If you are in the Harrisonburg area, I will be on WSVA 550AM with Jim Britt tomorrow morning from 11:05-11:30AM discussing the future of the Republican Party.