The hope of the state GOP

Re “GOP leader holds on to hope in a gloomy year,” Dec. 29

The California Republican Party is not dead. The conservative Republican Party of Mike Spence is dying because it’s been poorly managed and has no plan that deals with updating the state’s social and economic model based on current reality. It continues to live in the past.

The new Republican Party will be successful when it gets new leadership that represents all the segments of our population, has a plan that realistically addresses the state’s dysfunctional government and infrastructure, and can clearly communicate both the negative financial and social services effects of what’s currently going on -- and the necessary steps to correct the mess we’re in.

Robert M. Green

San Dimas

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It is unfortunate that Spence believes following on the trail of Proposition 8 will spark a Republican revolution.

We need to understand the demographics of our state. Yes, social conservatism is popular with minority communities that Spence wants to bring into the Republican coalition. But fiscal conservatism is not.

If Spence feels that cultural issues are more important than economic issues in the Republican Party, he should go to Washington and endorse the amnesty programs that John McCain and Edward Kennedy are advocating. That would attract more Latinos into the fold.

As Republicans, we need to unite people in our state while staying true to our principles. Our party cannot rely on just older white voters and the religious. We have to reach out to young voters, moderates and even gay voters. If we do, we can make Sacramento work for the better.

Matt Munson

Ontario