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Health care reform, two overseas wars, problems in the housing market and financial sector; there are huge issues on the table in Washington. Alachua County Republican Party Chair Stafford Jones speaks about the future of the Republican Party. They are issues that beg for bi-partisan cooperation, but the problem is the very same issues can be the most polarizing politically. Democrats needed their entire caucus to send their version of health care reform to the Senate floor, with Republicans unanimous in their opposition.
As the party tries to reposition itself for the 2012 elections, some of it's members are proposing a test. It was leaked to the press that would measure a Republican candidates conservativeness. The purity test, as it's being called, is a ten point outline of positions on important issues.
It's also been proposed that Republicans not meeting the standards of the test be denied funding from the parties national headquarters. This all as a key race pitting moderate conservatism versus more traditional right wing values develops here in Florida in the Senate primary between Governor Charlie Crist and Former House Speaker Marco Rubio. So what will the outcome be? What direction is the party heading?