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THE BIG QUESTION — Monday, Dec. 16

by The Hill - 12/16/08 1:02 PM ET

The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.

Today’s Big Question is:

What’s the next step for the GOP on the path back to electoral competitiveness?

See responses below from Hudson Institute President Dr. Herbert London, Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), NDN President Simon Rosenberg and ATR President Grover Norquist.

Dr. Herbert London, president, Hudson Institute said:

The GOP has a real challenge before it. The way back is to develop ideas and a sense of vitality that appeared to be lacking in the last presidential effort. Read the full response

Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) said:

The results of the 2006 and 2008 elections have forced the GOP to refocus their efforts to restore the conservative brand. Instead of just talking about fiscal responsibility (yet acting contrary to this message), we must once again restore the trust of the America voter through action. Read the full response

Simon Rosenberg, president, New Democratic Network said:

Absent huge Democratic mistakes in the next few years, the Republican Party’s road back could very well be a long one. They just suffered their worst Presidential defeat in 44 years, and have now suffered crushing defeats two elections in a row, a rarity in American history. Read the full response

Grover Norquist, president, Americans for Tax Reform said:

Republicans and conservatives have accomplished step one in rebuilding: they refused to panic, get depressed or turn left as instructed by the establishment press in 1964, 1974, 1992 and again in 2008. Read the full response