The American Spectator

Pointing to the current red/blue divide, the rise of Republicans In Name Only, and conservative Democrats like Zell Miller, Lilik contends that putting party blinders on does a disservice to the conservative cause.

“In some districts it is impossible for a Democrat to be elected, and in others it’s impossible for a Republican to be elected,” he explained. “Isn’t it better to have a Democrat that supports tax cuts and socially conservative policies in a solid Democrat district than a Howard Dean liberal? Likewise, isn’t it better to have a Pat Toomey conservative in the solid Republican district than the Arlen Specter liberal?”

This was not all bluster and talk, Sterns said. His optimism, he contended, was results driven.

“We are amassing a grassroots strike force in every country that will mobilize behind conservative candidates and conservative policies,” he said. “Recently, we were successful in crushing the state legislators’ attempt to give themselves a 20 percent pay increase, for example. We will have a prominent role in the 2006 GOP gubernatorial primary, which is already gearing up.”

BETTER YET FOR CONSERVATIVES, it’s looking like this Revolt of Principle is threatening to spill over the Pennsylvania border. Young conservatives in other states have been contacting YCOP leaders for advice on how to set up organizations in their states.

“The major thing is regardless of whether it’s a YCOP chapter in your Keystone county, a Young Conservatives-type organization in your state, or some other vehicle, young conservatives need to keep getting involved and pounding the rock,” Lilik said. “We have a potential to change this nation for the better if we all continue to network and grow. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but as Ronald Reagan’s movement proved, anything can be accomplished if you keep at it.”