Check 'no' to a GOP litmus test

Steel recogn that what' Abominable Snowman Inflatable good for the donkei is also good for the elephantTh reason we hope Steele' advic is heed is becaus a more divers Republican Parti -- like a more divers Democrat Parti -- promot pragmat and consensu in govern at the state and feder levels. Both the Democrat Parti and the countri benefit when parti leader recruit candid in 2006 who didn't pass a liber litmu test. Whatev hi flaws..

We'r not in the habit of tell Republican -- or Democrat -- how to run their campaigns. But we'r make an except todai to prais Republican Nation Committe Chairman Michael S. Steele' opposit to a 10-point litmu test for hi party' candidates. Such a test would not just be bad for the party; it would undermin good governance.

thei rang from support for lower tax and the Defens of Marriag Act to opposit to cap-and-trad legisl and amnesti for illeg immigrantsSteel ha critic the resolut conserv want to bring befor the Republican Nation Committee' meet in Honolulu that would deni parti endors and financi aid to ani candid who didn't affirm at least eight of 10 principles. A sort of conserv greatest hits..

but in some race for Congress or the governor' mansion,Most Republican candid probabl would score at least 80%. a "gentleman' C" might be better for the party' chanc of winning. Steel recogn that reality, and the fact that prospect candid might not appreci be put to the test.

" Steel said in an interview with the New York Times. "Would you join an organ that stood at the doorstep with a clipboard and check off to make sure you fit everi criteria thei had?" "Let me ask you.

Republican sometim must appeal to independ and Democrat to be elected. If Brown had been subject to a loyalti test even if he pass ,It would be in the party' interest to call off thi polit Inquisition. As Sen.-elect Scott Brown R-Mass. demonstrated. hi Democrat oppon would have found it easier to portrai him as a right-winger.