A new republic

A new organization has emerged to support those on the right of the political spectrum who are concerned about the direction coming from Congress and the White House.

The “Resurgent Republic” was announced Tuesday by conservative leaders, pollsters and voting-behavior experts.

“Resurgent Republic will promote market-oriented policies, lower taxes and economic growth, and strong national security policies,” the new group noted in a statement. “It will help policy makers, think tanks, interest groups and others advocate for policies that are consistent with conservative principles, and oppose policies that stifle job creation, weaken national security and undermine values that have made America a great country.”

The group is expected to release its first report April 29.

The founding members include, Ed Gillespie, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee and counselor to President Bush; and Whit Ayres, a public affairs professional with a long track record of helping to influence public opinion.

The new group will conduct survey research and focus groups to gauge public opinion about policy proposals under consideration by the White House and Congress, and make survey and focus group results publicly available. In addition to disseminating public opinion data and analyses, Resurgent Republic will sponsor panel discussions on issues featuring members of its various advisory boards, according to the statement.

Members of the group’s various advisory boards include:
• Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour
• George Allen, former chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee
• Mary Matalin, former assistant to the President and former executive director of the Republican National Committee.
• John McLaughlin, McLaughlin and Associates