GOP may be shifting its focus

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The Republican Party appears to be changing its primary focus for the 2008 U.S. presidential election by moving away from social and religious issues.

While the religious right and social conservatives are still an important part of the party, some see the focus for 2008 as national security and economics, The Washington Times reported Monday.

At a weekend meeting of the Republican National Committee in Minneapolis, one party member said the shift is necessary.

“If the party has its headlights on, it responds to issues that concern a majority of voters,” said Rhode Island NRC member Robert Manning. “That’s how you craft successful platforms, and that’s what candidates build successful candidacies around.”

Other party members point out that focusing on other issues does not mean the GOP is abandoning social and religious conservatives.

“We need their support to win,” said Louisiana GOP Chairman Robert Ville re.

Some wonder what would happen to the base if the party nominated former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani whose views on social issues tend to be more moderate.