Republicans focus efforts on November, say 2012 can wait

The breakfast Barbour hosted Saturday was a not-so-subtle way to establish the governors group as central to the party's rebuilding hopes, and to make himself one of its leading voices in shaping both the message and strategy for 2010.

Republicans are determined to reverse the policies of the Obama administration. That makes winning control of the House or Senate the party's highest priority this year. But Barbour reminded the breakfast audience that not only did governors help rebuild the party in the 1990s but also that there is a greater chance of winning congressional races if there is a strong incumbent GOP governor or winning gubernatorial candidate on the ballot.

Barbour had another message when he spoke later on Saturday: Republicans could squander their opportunities if they do not remain united. He said the party should make room for tea party activists and keep them in the conservative movement.

"The Democrats' fondest hope is to see tea-party or other conservatives split off and have a third party and split the conservative [vote]," he said. He added: "Please leave here unified and stay that way through November and beyond."

The list of prospective 2012 candidates who appeared in New Orleans included, in addition to Barbour and Palin, former House speaker Newt Gingrich, Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana, Texas Gov. Rick Perry, former senator Rick Santorum (Pa.) and Rep. Ron Paul (Tex.), a presidential candidate in 2008.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who stayed in the state to welcome home National Guard soldiers returning from Iraq, spoke by video. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, two of the three finalists for the 2008 GOP nomination, skipped the New Orleans gathering.

Palin was clearly the biggest draw and got an enthusiastic response. Whether she will try to convert her celebrity status into being a candidate or choose to play kingmaker to another candidate in 2012 isn't clear yet. She should not be underestimated as a force within the party, but the weekend showed that she isn't the only Republican who can appeal both to tea party activists and GOP rank-and-file.

Perry, who has said he is not interested in running for president and faces a competitive reelection in Texas, spoke several hours after Palin and received a reception that was easily the equal of hers. His message, which blended Texas-centric pride and traditional Republican doctrine with a strong dose of tea-party-inspired rhetoric attacking Washington, seemed ready-made for conservative audiences in 2010.

Gingrich attacked Obama in the strongest terms possible and urged Republicans to become "the party of yes" if they are to regain the confidence of the American people. Asked about his plans for 2012, Gingrich said he would decide early next year, but he echoed Barbour by saying, "Let's all get out and campaign this year to win this year's election."

None of these possible presidential candidates -- those who came to New Orleans and those who didn't -- can know at this point what kind of shape Obama will be in when 2012 rolls around. Their prospects will be determined significantly by what happens in November.

But the absence of 2012 buzz in New Orleans underscores the singular focus for a party eager to return to power. There is also a recognition that any perceived failures in November could make 2012 even more difficult.

Clarke Reed, who served for years as the RNC member from Mississippi and who founded the Southern Republican Leadership Conference 40 years ago, said the meeting this weekend has restored the group to its original purpose. Four years ago, he said, the organization got infatuated with presidential politics and straw polls.

Now, he said, "It's back to the grass roots."

That's why 2012 can wait.