Chris Christie, Rand Paul Feud Reveals Deeper Republican Party Rift

As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul sparred very personally over policy issues this week -- including privacy concerns, government spending and national security -- Yahoo asked GOP and conservative voters to discuss their merits of the two Republicans' arguments.

COMMENTARY | The dust-up between tea party libertarian Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky and traditional conservative Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is a godsend for Republican voters. The fact that it coincides with Arizona Sen. John McCain's criticism of obstructionist tea party members of the House is even more heartening.

What started as a debate over national security versus civil liberties and evolved into one about government spending and pork-barrel legislation has revealed a deeper philosophical rift within the GOP, one that needs to be publically addressed, and now.

The age-old ideological question at the heart of the matter is this: What is the appropriate role of government in a democratic society? None other than Adam Smith, himself a believer in limited government, postulated in his Wealth of Nations that the role of government should be to maintain defense, keep order, build infrastructure and promote education. Contrary to the beliefs of some, he was no champion of laissez-faire.

Not only does the tea party's growing influence threaten the very existence of the Republican Party, it has led to arguably the most dysfunctional Congress in recent history. Its no-compromise, no-government philosophy has resulted in a "do nothing" legislative strategy. If the Republican Party cannot debate and resolve the future strategic direction of the party, its relevance will likely devolve to the point of extinction.

GOP chaos may not have a significant impact on the midterm elections because congressional districts have been gerrymandered in a way that supports incumbents. But the 2016 presidential election, absent a miraculous mending of fences, is a lock for the Democrats.

One final prediction: Rand Paul will fare no better in his quest for the Republican nomination for president than his father Ron did. Thank God.

Michael Gonyea is a lifelong conservative voter. He lives in Rockwood, Mich.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/chris-christie-rand-paul-feud-reveals-deeper-republican-200100678.html

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