Despite the snowy weather, last night’s initial Pizza & Politics event was a grand success. Before one leads, they must listen and learn. In Mason City, I had the opportunity to hear from elected officials, candidates, and grassroots activists regarding their thoughts and opinions for getting the Iowa GOP back on track.
Special note of thanks must also go to longtime GOP leader De Byerly for braving the elements and coming out to talk politics. Folks, if there was a Hall of Fame for Iowa GOP activists, De would be an unanimous first-ballot selection. If we are to move forward together as a party, longtime activists such as De are a key resource for us.
When asked about what can best unify our Republican team, her response was simple, “start winning.”
The conversation than centered on those elements that can help us start winning, such as going on offense and stop allowing our opponents to define us, having a consistent and easily understood Republican message, and restoring some accountability in the party organizational structure.
Just like on the football field, all eyes are on the quarterback when he drops back to pass, on the ball while it’s in the air and on the receiver while he’s making the catch. What most in the crowd do not see, are the actions of the other six teammates (well, six in my business, nine in the outdoor game), such as the offensive linemen providing the protection for the quarterback. If the team is to succeed and win the game, every player on the field must do their job and be accountable to their teammates.
Politics is no different. While all eyes are on the candidate during campaign season, it is the work of the men and women on the frontlines doing the “blocking and tackling” of grassroots organization that ultimately determine if our Republican team is to succeed at the ballot box. At the conclusion of the Pizza and Politics tour, I look forward to sharing with you the many ideas I have on how the state party structure, working as teammates with our local activists, can help assist those on the frontlines so we can once again enjoy the thrill of victory and not the agony of defeat.
More Pizza & Politics. Well, time to hit the road. For our friends reading in Eastern Iowa, I hope you can join us at one of today’s two Pizza & Politics stops: 11:45 am at Happy Joes (201 W. 50th St.) in Davenport or 6:30 pm at Pizza Hut (1400 N. Roosevelt Ave.) in Burlington. See you there!
