The next few months represent a unique challenge for the Republican Party.

The media calls it soul-searching, but the point is clear that the Republicans need a winning coalition - something they are lacking.

Besides the basic historical pressures that caused a Democratic landslide the last two election cycles, we have to look at other important areas the party lost to perform. Let us not look for a certain candidate to save our party - a strong party produces and attracts strong candidates.

If anything, President-Elect Obama has shown the nation what a 21st Century campaign should look like.

He outspent the McCain campaign 10 to 1 on online advertising. In this YouTube and Facebook era, communication is faster and easier than ever before. The Republican Party must connect better online. Not only for the benefits of communication, but for fundraising. This new option provides a way to get around the nagging phone callers that have been a nuisance for many years.

The Clinton campaign was also the first time a Presidential candidate had introduced Phone Banking online for their volunteers and supporters. This generated a way for people to volunteer from their own homes.

The McCain campaign caught on to this idea, but it was not until October that the campaign began to utilize these tools. Now, voters can be reached by other voters cheaply and effectively.

The McCain Campaign did have a leg up during the primaries with “Tele-Town Halls”, which present yet another format to reach voters. Imagine the potential of having a candidate reach thousands of voters without having to set-up the rallies and events.

Finally, the Republican Party has to connect its message and incorporate younger voters more effectively.

Technology is a large way to do this, but there is much more to be done on this front. Those who get involved in their youth tend to be more involved over their lifetime. The youth do not turnout as high as other sectors, but the youth who do turnout often become lifelong party members.

The Republicans must recruit for the future of the party.

Incorporating groups like Young Republicans and College Republicans into the decision-making process of the party will yield greater results.  To secure long-term victories for the party, a generation of new Republicans, ready to lead this nation, is absolutely essential.

We can not be complacent with out current coalition, but we must shift our priorities and strengths with those of the American people.

Cameron Pruette
Vice Chairman, TNCR
Chairman, LUCR