I became a Republican because they are sadly just the lesser of two evils. I will always vote for the candidate who tends to be conservative-libertarian in viewpoint. I DO NOT want any politician trying to mold me (or fix me) by imposing their views or values on me. A prime example (and the reason I no longer contribute to the GOP) was the recent Republican support for increased tobacco taxes. Roll back the tobacco tax and I will return to the fold!!!

I am concerned that Dede Scozzafava is even allowed to represent herself as a member of the Republican Party. She is obviously a Liberal, masquerading as a Republican. I believe that Michael Steele should renounce her!

I have read every comment posted here Mr. Steele. (even those that were deleted!) I can understand why some comments had to go, but I would like to know if you plan on addressing some of the problems that were highlighted by the deleted post? I am not a republican and I do not think I would be accepted in this party (I am not ideologically pure enough guaranteed!). I have yet to see this party take its core values and reach out beyond a certain point...If missionaries can spread the gospel in places where it is illegal, I am sure the GOP can roll up its sleeves and move beyond its self-imposed limitations. I am one vote, is it worth for the GOP to reach out to me? Kenneth E

Looking at the poll results on NY23 there seems to be more conservative voters than there are liberal voters, so my suggestion is that the RNC cull out the liberal RHINOs and allow the party to grow if you want to win in 2010 and beyond.

Michael, The Republican Party can serve my interest by nominating candidates that reflect at least the minimum basic conservative principals of restrained government, resonable taxation, strong defense. The race in NY23 clearly shows that the party still does not get this view, shared by millions of Republicans accross the country. If it were not bad enough that the party nominated a scocialist like Dede Scozzafava, to actually post advertizing against the Conservative candidate is unconscionable. Be it known by this post that I and my family will no longer support the GOP financially until we see a statement from the party that all candidates will uphold a minimum of core values which are published for all to see. Taking my money and advertize against a candidate whose values I support in favor of a candidate I do not suport is not acceptable. Good luck in 2010 if the party continues to ignore its base. Jim Scott Plano, Texas

Mr. Steele, The GOP must turn sharply, boldly, and unambiguously RIGHT, and it must do it now. Endorse Hoffman in NY-23. Endorse Rubio over Crist. These two acts will do more to reconnect the GOP to our true base of conservative voters than any number of words. Do that and I will be a contributor. Stay in the squishy center, and I'll back individual candidates but not send a dime to the RNC--and continue to tell my friends and readers to do likewise. This is an historic moment, a chance to make the GOP the party that millions of frustrated conservatives are seeking. This window won't last long. Please seize this opportunity. Respectfully, Hank Racette Missouri

My beliefs are mostly Republican, but not always. And definitely not in line with the Demoncratic Party. I believe that you should get to the keep what you earn, capitalism and fair competition. Taxes are necessary for the defense of the country and not to favor one group over another. I believe in ethics and reason. And not bowing to the scare tactics geared toward spending money for the boy who cried wolf. I don't believe that we must solve global warming; I am not sure if it exists; I seriously doubt that we are the cause of it; and I think it is a scare tactic meant to manipulate the United States to our detriment. I believe in strong businesses, but not to the point where they are favored over individual rights and freedoms. I believe in educating our citizens technically and on the moral prinipals that make us stronger. And to learn when our elected officials are giving false promises of hope that that turn a lot of people into lazy apathy. I believe in giving to charity at my discretion and that enything else is a fancy form of thievery. And I believe in being United, so please write to me.

As a longtime conservative, I am profoundly disappointed with the Republican Party. As is evidenced by the recent developments concerning Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman in his bid against GOP candidate Dede Scozzafava. I am speaking of the NY 23rd district election, of course, to fill the recent void there. By any measurement, Hoffman exceeds Scozzafava's record in conservatism. It is remarkable that even ACORN has endorsed Scozzafava. This puts her as squarely a RINO and if that is the direction that the GOP party is going in - trying to placate the middle by distancing itself from its conservative base - than I am afraid that the Democratic party will be screwing things up for many years to come. Mr. Steele, I strongly urge you to reconsider the direction that the GOP party appears to be going in. I quoted one example of GOP unacceptability and if recent polls can be believed, the electorate in NY's 23rd district are basically telling the GOP, "thanks, but no thanks. Keep your RINO candidate."

Michael, Thanks so much for creating a real feedback area. I had begun to be concerned that as Ronald Reagan once wrote about the Democrats, "the party had left me". I am a Republican because this party comes closer to protecting my God-given rights and our Constitution. I occasionally have qualms because elected Republicans have acted as if government is simply there to enable a tug of war between imposing one set of values or another on the people. This is backwards - government is there simply to protect our country and our liberties (and our property). The new Beliefs and Issues pages are a very welcome and clear statement of direction, and we need to ensure that our candidates embrace those principles without reservation. When Republicans shout loud and clear that they are the party of the constitution and of conservatism - of empowering the people instead of enslaving them, they will win the hearts minds and votes of almost all Republicans, a majority of Independents, and a few Democrats - an unbeatable formula. BUT, If Republicans try to be liked by being a more moderate version of big government Socialists, almost all Democrats, a majority of Independents, and some Republicans will choose the real Democrat instead of the imitation. In NY23, the party has backed the wrong horse, and might just hand the seat to the Dems by splitting our vote. In FL, picking Charlie Crist before the Senatorial primary is a bad idea - let the people choose, and I'll bet Marco Rubio wins the primary and the general. We alread know what supporting a moderate bought us in PA - Specter showed his true colors - back Toomey this time! For now, I'll chip in a little to the RNC, but most of my money is going to conservative causes and candidates directly. Just walk the walk, and most of my contributions will be right here for 2010 :) So, Mr Steele, how about it? I've heard your speeches, and I believe you are a conservative - please ensure that the RNC truly leads the way. Act for the People, not for the incumbents - you'll be amazed at the response! Best regards from NH

Mr. Steele, you want to know why I am a Republican, because Republicans are tough, honest, God Fearing, unrelenting, generous, and they know when their Party is in trouble - Get rid of the Centralist - first and foremost Republicans do not retreat..... Phil