IS THIS THE WINNING STRATEGY? - AT 12:41 P.M. ET:  The states have always been great political and social laboratories.  A part of the American social safety net originated in work done by Al Smith in New York in the early part of the 20th century.  Now Republicans are looking to the states for a winning political strategy for the future.  They think they have found the answer in Virginia, as The Politico reports:

CEDAR CREEK, Tex. –After four years of grappling with how to appeal to voters, a group of top Republicans believe they’ve found a winning formula for 2010. Call it the McDonnell Strategy.

The shorthand: run on economic policy, downplay divisive cultural issues, present an upbeat tone, target independent voters and focus on Democratic-controlled Washington—all without attacking President Barack Obama personally.

It’s an approach that elected Bob McDonnell to the Virginia governorship earlier this month.

While Republicans posted two hard-fought gubernatorial victories on Nov. 3, McDonnell’s path to victory is the one that most encourages the GOP, a remarkable case of a social conservative who made his name in politics as an abortion opponent yet managed to reverse a Democratic trend in Virginia and shellack his opponent by nearly 18 percent while largely steering clear of cultural issues.

As rejuvenated GOP governors gathered at a resort outside Austin for their annual strategy session there was little doubt who they wanted to spotlight. McDonnell was shown off at nearly every public event, paraded before the reporters, consultants and lobbyists here as the example of how Republicans can find swing state success in the Obama era.

COMMENT:  Maybe.  Maybe not.  I'm in Virginia right now.  Like every state, it has its own characteristics and political hot buttons.  McDonnell ran a superb campaign.  Virginia, though, is a purple, swing state.  Just as impressive is the gubernatorialwin by Chris Christie in New Jersey, the bluest of the blue states.  If I were running Republican strategy, I'd look at both races. 

McDonnell was the smoother candidate.  Christie, a rotund fellow whose physical appearance was not helpful, had the harder job. 

I agree that direct personal attacks on the president don't work.  But criticizing his increasingly unpopular policies does work. 

Republicans have a great chance next year.  Studying strategies from recent victories is a fine way to begin.

November 21, 2009