The new green GOP

by Pamela Ragon, president of the REP Texas Chapter
published in the Dallas Morning News, May 25, 2008

Re: "McCain Greens the GOP—Candidate impresses with environmental record," last Sunday Editorials

Hats off to the Dallas Morning News for praising John McCain's focus on environmental issues. While many Democrats are busy labeling Mr. McCain as a carbon copy of President Bush, you correctly point out that Mr. McCain is the first GOP candidate in decades to make the environment an integral part of his policy agenda.

To win in November, Republicans must reach beyond the traditional base to attract independent voters and, in particular, young voters. John McCain is showing these voters that environmental stewardship matters to Republicans and that our party can propose reasonable solutions. From now on, Republicans need not be afraid to use "green" and "GOP" in the same sentence.