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The Republican Party of Wisconsin (a private organization) recently implemented a code of conduct for its members.
Yes, believe or not, unfortunately, it was imperative to state the obvious in response to the continued appalling behavior of some its members.
Yes, it was necessary to restate the basic tenets of civility among human beings.
Why do I support a code of conduct?
A code of conduct is necessary for organizations to maintain consistency in behavior and foster a positive, reliable and capable culture. It serves as an internal guideline and an external statement of the mission, values, and principles of an organization.
Having a clearly defined code of conduct is crucial for building long-term relationships with Republican volunteers, Republican elected officials and Wisconsin voters. Furthermore, a code of conduct helps hold individuals within an organization to a standard of behavior and outlines unbecoming, unacceptable and unethical misconduct.
Chairman of the Sawyer County Republican Party John Righeimer joined me on air to discuss the bylaws which address the bullying and disgraceful behavior among some in the Republican Party movement.
Righeimer also shared his common sense, results-based approach to volunteering in the Republican Party recently on social media:
Next, we need to protect the party’s (RPW’s) reputation which is what the public perceives as its brand. The Republican brand stands for less government, capitalism, individual freedom, and low taxes. Finally, every county party needs to align its actions throughout the State in a consistent manner. We achieve success by executing actions that: 1) support the goal, 2) reinforce our brand, and 3) align with a set of internally consistent practices throughout every county party in Wisconsin.
County parties must align and take a strategic approach that strictly adheres to the goal of winning elections and building a positive Republican brand. We need to avoid extremism in statewide races because it can make the Republican Party unattractive to Wisconsin voters in the broad political middle who are the voters needed for us to win. If every county were to commit to this strategy, it would ensure that we reach our goal and establish majorities throughout the state.
Our county parties should not be social clubs or one-issue political activist groups. Rather they need to include members that raise money, walk doors, dial phones, walk parades, place candidate signs, and anything else that leads to Republican votes in Wisconsin.
We also need to constantly assess whether our members truly understand and support our Republican brand. When they are out of alignment with those things, we need to strongly redirect those members and remind them of our brand in order to keep our messaging in Wisconsin on track.
Organizational alignment at both the State and county level is the key to performance success. RPW needs to ensure that its county party chairs are strategically focused on the goal of winning elections and enhancing the brand. I believe that actions based upon the goal of winning elections, brand enhancement, and alignment throughout Wisconsin will ultimately lead to legislative majorities.
Without an accepted code of conduct, why would anyone want to join an organization that allows its members to be disloyal to, attack and harass other members?
Our prevailing common goal is to beat Democrats. And attacking from within is contrary to winning and to the Republican party platform.
The Republican Party of Wisconsin Platform states:
“We are one family. We care for one another, are loyal to one another, and defend one another.”
It’s very refreshing, encouraging and inspiring to see such wisdom and dedication from some amazing volunteers and elected officials within the Republican Party. There are still so many that have not succumbed to the divisive and destructive behavior that we frequently see from those on the left.
To my Republican friends that have also been subjected to the harassment, personal attacks and disturbing and threatening behavior:
Do not despair.
Many of us will continue to pray that these destructive individuals will have a moment of self-awareness and put the future successes of the RPW before their own self-centered and misguided agendas.
Rest-assured, I will continue to call out and shine a spotlight on those who violate basic tenets of civility so that they are held accountable for their actions.
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