GOP Chair Must Symbolize 'Change'...

Over at RedState, the Directors have endorsed Ken Blackwell for RNC Chair, but have added a caveat: If Blackwell can't win, Republicans should support Mike Duncan.

While I completely agree with the Blackwell endorsement (having endorsed him, myself), I couldn't disagree more regarding the notion that Republicans should keep Mike Duncan. It's almost as if they are attempting to take out a safe insurance policy on their bold endorsement. Call it "diversification," if you will...

Blackwell is my choice for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he is an outsider who would symbolize a new direction for the GOP. His resume and solid philosophical commitment to conservatism are among the other reasons to support him (in fact, I would argue that Blackwell is the best choice specifically because he is the only candidate who emodies all of these attributes).

But make no mistake; the most important thing for the GOP to do is to signal they have heard the voters, and that they are ready for a change. Other candidates such as Anuzis and Steele would also send this signal. Duncan, obviously, would undermine this image.

Why all this pressure on picking a symbolic RNC chairman? Heretofore, the GOP has decided to essentially ignore the times. They chose to stick with Rep. Boehner as House Minority Leader and Sen. McConnell as Senate Minority Leader. The hat-trick of sticking Boehner, McConnell and Duncan would be too much continuity for many of us to stand, as it would clearly signal the GOP is tone deaf and has absolutely no intention of shaking things up.

While I personally think Duncan is a decent and competent man who has done a fine job in a tough situation, it would be absolutely absurd to return him to the position of GOP chairman. If Blackwell had presided over these last several years, I would say the same thing of him. When a company goes bankrupt, you don't keep the CEO -- even if he is a good man who was handed a tough job (yes, I think the analogy is a fair one).

The choice for RNC chairman is a symbolic one that will let us know whether or not the Republican Party is serious about competing in the 21st century. I, for one, am curious to see whether or not Republicans got the message...