A New Look GOP

As someone who follows patterns, I noticed a relatively ignored trend that developed last Tuesday: the distinct mixture of race, ethnicity and gender of those running for public office. Republicans, who captured the House and came ever-so-close to seizing control of the Senate, will bring a much more diverse cast to Washington than in races past. African Americans, Latinos and Asian congressmen-elect will bring their fresh and contrasting visions to the Oval Office. A "change" is coming to the White House.

Not since the Reconstruction Era have more African American Republicans ran for Congress. At least 32 threw their hats into the ring this November. Ironically, most hit the campaign trail because of President Obama. Obama, who - to his credit - admitted to the shellacking the Democrats took on Tuesday, has confidence in potential black congressmen. Although no African American will be serving in the Senate come January (Ronald Burris retires the Illinois seat he was appointed to by Obama), the House of Representatives will greet two new members: Allen West of Florida and Tim Scott from South Carolina.

Other prominent GOP victories this past week include Tea Party favorite Nikki Haley. Of Indian descent, she becomes South Carolina's first female Governor. Marco Rubio, of Cuban heritage, will be Florida's next Senator. Susana Martinez, a Mexican, is set to become New Mexico's first female Governor. In Nevada, Harry Reid's son Rory lost his gubernatorial race to the Brian Sandoval. In January, he will assume the role of Nevada's first Hispanic governor. All these candidates possess a strong admiration of conservative values. They prefer small government, lower taxes and eliminating any burdening obstacles entrepreneurs face in trying to stimulate job growth.

The media silence surrounding the absence of a Republican African American in Congress since J.C. Watts of Oklahoma (retired in 2003) was disturbing. Maybe it didn't fit the far left image of Republicans as a biased, narrow-minded bunch. Was it coincidence that the media missed reporting almost all of the African American, Hispanic, Asian elect were endorsed by the Tea Party? I think not. They tried to portray the Tea Party as a racist, anti-immigrant organization. Maybe sometime soon we'll be lucky enough to have something other than the partisan media monopoly that exists today. But I'm not holding my breath.