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By Joe Solari

The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be, first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern, and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."  

- The Federalist Papers, Federalist No. 57, written by James Madison

James Madison understood the importance of electing leaders who prioritize virtue and the common good over self-interest or expediency. He also stressed the need for accountability to ensure leaders remain true to their stated principles. Today’s Republicans are well advised to remember this.

The internal conflicts within our party—whether here in Greenwich, across the state, or nationally—are readily evident and raise critical questions about what we stand for and how we move forward as Republicans.

At the heart of these conflicts lies an essential question: What matters more—the name on the uniform or the principles the uniform represents?

Too often, we see members of our party adopt positions or tactics that mimic those of our political opponents in an effort to secure power or appease broader audiences. But if our aim is to win elections, rather than win with candidates that embody our principles and have the strength of character to stand up for them, then don’t we risk becoming indistinguishable from the opposition?

Shouldn’t Republicans strongly advocate for and defend Republican policies and principles, ensuring that our actions and platforms align with the values of limited government, personal responsibility, individual freedom, and economic opportunity? This is not just a question of political strategy. This is a matter of moral and pragmatic clarity.

"Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it."-  Abraham Lincoln

Does might make right, or does right make might? Do the ends justify the means, or do the means justify the ends? These are questions that should guide our actions as individuals and as a party.

Clearly, winning elections is not enough if we fail to govern as Republicans. Our focus must be on advancing and defending Republican principles and policies that lower taxes, ensure quality education, protect the unique identity of community, and importantly, hold our Republican endorsed and elected officials accountable. If Republicans fail to advance and defend these principles, our role in local government is meaningless, and possibly even counterproductive, because we risk losing the trust of the very people who elected us, as well as the quality-of-life our fellow residents want us to protect and conserve.

It’s time for Republicans to take a hard look at our priorities. Are we all committed to upholding the values we claim to represent, or are some merely wearing the uniform without honoring the principles for which it stands? Our fellow citizens in our towns and across Connecticut deserve Republican leadership that is bold, principled, and accountable.

Joe Solari is the Republican State Central Committee Representative for Greenwich and the 36th Senate District of the State of Connecticut.

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