I’m afraid the Republicans might have jeopardized their ability to hold on to a majority in either the Senate or the House, maybe both.

Don’t think it will be because of the Democrats and their uplifting message. They deal in dirt and negativity, reacting to polls rather than putting out positive, upbeat ideas for what is best for the United States. Their majorities, if obtained, will be short-lived if the Republicans can regroup and get their act together.

The reason for the possible failures in November will be because of their straying from conservative roots and the conservative voters they’ve disillusioned and abandoned.

One only has to look back to the Reagan years to see what works. President Reagan stuck with conservative values and did not stray from these principles. It is obvious that this unwavering, core message, clearly communicated, resonated with the vast majority of Americans, both conservative and moderate, rather than the strategy attempted by the liberal left. They kissed up to every special- interest, wacko group and had to tailor their message to each, leaving them with no message at all. The proof is in the pudding.

Reagan, running in 1980 against one of the worst presidents ever, Jimmy Carter, won by a landslide. He won 51 percent of the popular vote compared to Carter’s 41 percent, 44 states to six, and 489 electoral votes compared to Carter’s 49. Republicans also gained 33 House seats and 12 Senate seats, kicking out liberal leaders right and left.

The results in 1984 were even more lopsided. Running against a Minnesota liberal, Walter Mondale, Reagan won 59 percent of the popular vote, 49 states and 525 electoral votes. Mondale only won his home state of Minnesota and that by only 2,000 votes. The facts were simple. The economy was much improved, our military was rebuilt and strong again, national morale was upbeat, and Soviet influence was stopped in its tracks.

It just goes to show that when a true conservative runs against a liberal, the conservative candidate wins every time. Neither of the Bushes were true conservatives, although George W. was closer than his father.

The platform this time should be simple. First, we should continue to build our military strength, which was severely harmed during the Carter and Clinton years.

Second, government spending must be reduced. This is where Bush has let conservatives down. If our Founding Fathers could see what the federal government has grown to, they would be ashamed.

Third, make tax cuts now in place permanent. Even with runaway spending, the costs of the Iraq war, and Katrina, our economy has never been stronger and is growing at record rates. Government revenues are up (lower rates mean more revenues), unemployment is at historic lows (tax cuts create jobs), and more people are freed from paying taxes altogether every year. There should be even more cuts made.[an error occurred while processing this directive]