NEWS AND OPINION:
Here’s a new phrase to consider: “The Republican voter registration revolution.”
It comes to us from Shane Harris, an Ohio-based writer and political consultant who spells out the particulars in a report released Thursday by the Association of Mature American Citizens, an interest group with 2 million members with a mission of being “guided by the vision of our nation’s Founders.”
“As recently as 2020, Democrats held an edge in voter registrations of about 97,000 over Republicans in the Sunshine State. By April 2024, Republicans not only took the lead, they increased their advantage to more than one million voters,” Mr. Harris wrote in a commentary released Thursday.
“That stunning reversal is one of the most remarkable developments in modern American politics, and lends credence to the Florida Republican Party’s claim to be ’the most successful party in the nation.’ In less than a decade, Florida has gone from a swing state to a Republican stronghold,” he said.
There were also registration shifts in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona and North Carolina, Mr. Harris also said.
“The Republican voter registration revolution marks a pivotal shift in the American political landscape, with implications that extend far beyond the 2024 election. By capitalizing on grassroots engagement, innovative outreach efforts, and demographic realignments, Republicans have not only secured key victories, but also laid the groundwork for sustained success in future cycles,” Mr. Harris wrote.
“This surge in voter registrations signals a party invigorated by momentum and unity, positioning the GOP as a formidable force poised to shape the nation’s political direction for years to come — if conservatives can build on that momentum,” he concluded.
TRUMP’S HAPPY NEW YEAR
Meanwhile, there are some jubilant tidings from President-elect Donald Trump’s still-active campaign site.
“Happy New Year! A new year marks a new beginning, and for our country, it signals that we are turning the page on the failed and disastrous Biden-Harris administration and embarking on the new American Golden Age!” said a spirited written statement issued on New Year’s Eve by Tommy Pigott and Eric Leyden, two members of the official “Team Trump” public outreach.
“President Trump hasn’t even taken office yet, and he is already fulfilling his promises thanks to the Trump Effect. A secure border, a prosperous economy, peace through strength — that’s what the American people want, and that’s what President Trump will deliver. He did it before, and he is already doing it again! Make America Great Again!” Mr. Pigott and Mr. Leyden said, exclamation point and all.
And there is a “2025 Trump Inauguration Collection,” which includes whiskey, wine and ale glassware emblazoned with the official “2025 Trump Inaugural Seal” in gold. Some bodacious, 3-inch-wide lapel buttons and a canvas tote bag that celebrate the inauguration are also available, along with beverage coolers and a coffee mug.
Find it all at donaldjtrump.com and click on the “shop” icon.
A REMINDER FROM WALTZ
A Florida Republican has an observation or two after the terror attack on New Orleans this week. He also has a suggestion for day one of the Trump administration.
“I can’t emphasize enough — close the border, secure our sovereignty. The entire world knows that we have an open border,” said Rep. Mike Waltz, who is also the incoming national security adviser.
“They intend to hit us and they are pushing people into our interior to do just that. And they know that if we’re looking internally at ourselves, we can’t be defending ourselves abroad,” he said in an appearance Thursday on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends.”
“So, that entire counterterrorism strategy — particularly now that they have a caliphate again in Afghanistan, where ISIS and Al Qaeda are brewing — we will just have to do a complete day one relook,” Mr. Waltz declared.
THE GREAT-GRANDFATHER FACTOR
Rep.-elect Tom Barrett is set to occupy the Washington office for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. It’s a personal thing; the Republican lawmaker has some family ties at work here.
“The new office — 1232 Longworth House Office Building — was once occupied by his great grandfather, former Congressman Louis C. Rabaut, who served 31 years as a Democrat from Michigan. It is also where his great grandfather famously authored legislation which added ’under God’ to the Pledge of Allegiance,” a press release from the lawmaker said.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: The Ford Field and River Club, an “incredible low country estate” built in 2006 on 3 acres on the Ogeechee River near Richmond Hill, Georgia. Five bedrooms, eight baths, living room with gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen with breakfast nook and butler’s pantry — “a chef’s culinary dream.” Grand entrance foyer, elevator, high ceilings and custom woodwork; wrap around porch. Extensive landscaping, gazebo, magnolia trees, ancient oaks, landscape lighting and “stunning courtyards.” Separate carriage house with two suites and full kitchen. Priced at $4.8 million through seaboltrealestate.com. Enter listing ID number 315156 in the search function.
POLL DU JOUR
• 84% of U.S. adults think that Americans with different political views should “come together and work out their differences.”
• 90% of Republicans, 82% of independents and 81% of Democrats agree.
• 87% of Whites, 79% of Hispanics and 77% of Blacks also agree; 84% of women and 84% of men also agree.
• 5% overall say Americans with different political views should not come together and work out their differences.
• 4% of Republicans, 6% of independents and 5% of Democrats agree.
• 5% of Whites, 5% of Hispanics and 8% of Blacks also agree; 5% of women and 5% of men also agree.
• 10% overall are not sure about coming together and working out differences.
• 6% of Republicans, 13% of independents and 12% of Democrats agree.
• 9% of Whites, 16% of Hispanics and 15% of Blacks also agree; 11% of women and 10% of men also agree.
SOURCE: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,577 U.S. adults conducted online Dec. 21-23.
• Contact Jennifer Harper at jharper@washingtontimes.com. Follow her on X @HarperBulletin.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.