Earlier this morning, House Republican Leader John Boehner gave this presentation to all of his colleagues in the House Republican Conference. Boehner’s message is straightforward and sobering — House Republicans have a tough road ahead, but with hard work and a few breaks they could have good year. Previewing a new branding phrase, Boehner talked about how if Republicans can “earn back the majority in Congress,” they will “fix a broken Washington.” Despite the ongoing problems with Republican party popularity, Boehner reminded his colleagues that the most recent polling (NBC News/Wall Street Journal) shows 37 percent of Americans describe themselves as conservative, 34 percent moderate and 23 percent liberal — numbers that fit well with House Republicans ideological perspective. He also believes McCain helps with down ticket congressional races, particularly against many of the new freshman Democrats first elected in 2006 — 21 of whom are in districts carried by Bush in 2004. Boehner also argues Obama’s liberal policy views will either force congressional Democrats to run against the top of the ticket or play the politically awkward separation game. As House Democrat grow increasingly reliant on liberal 527 organizations to supplement the Democratic National Committee, the latter strategy becomes trickier. Money concerns, however, continue to trouble the GOP. The Republican leader notes Republicans were outspent in 2004 by $100 million. His presentation strongly encourages all of his colleagues to put their shoulders to the wheel when it comes to raising resources. These are tough times for House Republicans given the large number of open seats (29 right now) they’ll have to defend. Boehner’s doing his best to lead, lift morale and focus his troops’ energy.
