Rebuilding the Right: Chris Saxman

I think a lot of the rebuilding we'll see within the Republican Party is going to have to come from outside of the beltway - from the people who have maintained their integrity and who can approach our problems with fresh vision and new tools.

A Delegate right here in Virginia – Chris Saxman - is a great example of where we should be going.  He’s a good guy, a solid Republican and he gets the internet.  He has actually been a blogger for quite some time, writing a blog about how "a more transparent, accountable and competitive government will yield better services at a lower cost to the taxpayers."  But, more importantly, he is an active participant in the online conversation.

For instance, yesterday, a Virginia blogger wrote a fairly combative post about Chris Saxman.  Most politicians don't know how to handle this; however, within a few hours, Saxman showed up in the comments to respond to her post.  And then he returned to respond to her response.

Why aren’t more Republicans doing that? 

Campaigns and political offices see the benefits of retail politicking - of meeting people, answering questions and establishing some personal relationships.  But in-person events are expensive, time-consuming and inherently risky.  And the audience is limited and locked in time.  So why don't they do the same thing online?  The audience for online communication is larger than most in-person events; you can target your message to audiences likely to be interested, and the politician can put more thought into responses than is usually the case in extemporaneous speaking.  And of course, the interaction is not a one-time event; it is preserved for future audiences, as well. 

Personal online communication can also be a great way to get earned media.  Who pays attention to a politician's press release about their support for the Trivial Stuff Act of 2008?  Nobody.  But if that politician first explains his position in the comment section of a site that’s actively discussing the issue…that is news.

I'm not suggesting that politicians spend a great deal of time scouring websites and leaving comments.   I am suggesting that politicians should listen and be more responsive to online conversations.  I am suggesting that politicians should treat the virtual town square in much the way they treat the actual town square.  Show up sometimes.  In person.  Participate.

Keep an eye on Chris Saxman.  He’s the kind of person who can revitalize the Right and provide the new Republican leadership.