GOP operatives struggle to find message on health care, other major issues

Aug 16 2013

As the Republican National Committee holds its summer meeting, leaders like former presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich and Ohio Gov. John Kasich highlight the need to advance solutions to the nation's health care challenges, rather than being the party that only says "no" to Obamacare.

The Associated Press/Washington Post: Republican Officials Push Rising Stars Amid Calls For Solutions On Major Issues
While there is little sign of GOP unity on solutions for immigration, health care or a looming budget standoff, RNC officials are launching a program to highlight a new generation of Republican leaders -- largely younger and more ethnically diverse -- to help broaden the party's appeal among women and minorities, groups that overwhelmingly supported President Barack Obama in the last election. The program supplements an ongoing effort to expand Republican outreach among minority communities across the country (8/15).

Politico: Newt Gingrich: No GOP Health Care Plan
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Wednesday told party chairs and operatives at the Republican National Committee summer meeting that the GOP has "zero" ideas for replacing Obamacare, according to a report. … Gingrich said the party has a "very deep problem" with a culture that promotes negativity (Kopan, 8/14).

The Wall Street Journal: An Ohio Prescription For GOP: Lower Taxes, More Aid For Poor
On the one hand, he tamed a deficit by slashing funding to local governments and overhauling the state's Medicaid rules, among things. He has eliminated the state's estate tax and wants to phase out all state income taxes, a step aimed at stimulating growth. A budget he signed in June included a range of new abortion restrictions that drew sharp criticism from Democrats. At the same time, Mr. Kasich has stirred strong opposition from tea-party leaders -- and won surprised approval from liberals -- by pushing to expand Medicaid coverage to nearly 300,000 additional Ohioans, adopting a provision of the Obama health care overhaul that he has taken to defending with an openly religious fervor (King, 8/14).