A meeting with RNC Chairman Ken Mehlman

I was invited to participate in a meeting this afternoon with the chairman of the national Republican Party, Ken Mehlman. Accompanying him was someone known to many bloggers, the GOP eCampaign Director Patrick Ruffini.

Awhile back I was invited to a breakfast for bloggers with the Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Ron Carey, and this was an extension of that effort to engage the blogosphere.

I very much appreciated the invitation. Also attending were Gary Miller of Kennedy vs. the Machine, Andy Aplikowski of Residual Forces, Jerry Plagge of SD63, Michael Brodkorb of MDE, Brian Ward of Fraters Libertas, Cap'n Ed of Captain's Quarters, and Billy from Carver County GOP.

Ken and Patrick came to town because they believe the blogs will be a key part of politics in the future.

Ron Carey started us off by introducing Patrick, who then introduced Ken by saying no one has appreciated the potential for technology more.

Mr. Mehlman started by saying you can tell what people value by how much they pay for it. He used the example of paying for songs off of iTunes, and downloading ring tones for cell phones. He said politics is like that evolution, moving from mass marketing to mass collaboration.

People value most what they participate in, which is why the blogs can be so valuable. He also gave the example of Goggle Earth. That has made people interested in geography. The same thing can be done with politics. The blogs can help attract people through this unique medium.

Ken said the 2006 election will be about a choice, and the blogs can help remind people what the Democrats are really offering. He then answered our questions for about 40 minutes.

I mentioned the National Security Strategy update, and said that while we shouldn't politicize a foreign threat, I asked if Iran could be a way to yet again draw distinctions and show how the Democrats offer nothing on national defense. Mr. Mehlman said it isn't a political issue, and that things are still running their course with Iran, but that it would be dangerous thing if Iran had nuclear weapons. (He also said the RNC did not see the Strategy before it was released.)

I asked him about recent comments Sen. Coleman made saying President Bush's staff may be tired and new faces should be brought in, and I asked if the fact a Republican would speak publicly like that meant some Republicans were nervous about President Bush's poll numbers. Mr. Mehlman replied that President Bush would make any decisions about staff, and that Bush is well aware of what his staff might need.

Ken said the Washington state senate race is a sleeper race, one that should be watched. The Michigan race is another one. (Gary Miller brought those two up.)

Ken said that an untold story is that Republicans could have five or six African American candidates running for statewide office.

Ken said DNC Chair Howard Dean has refused to appear on television jointly with him.

He said it would be good for America to have a woman President.

I asked him if the MN 6th District race could become a priority for both sides. He replied it is Republican-leaning, but it is an open seat, so he certainly will keep an eye on it, keep focus on it.

He wouldn't comment on the recent Republican straw poll in Tennessee.

At the end of our time with Ken, we had a few more minutes with Patrick.

Again, an enjoyable time, and it was a privilege to participate. The blogs do have a role to play. As Patrick said, you are most likely to listen to and accept advice from someone you know and trust, and by building relationships with readers, bloggers can influence politics.

Thank you to Chairman Carey, Gina Countryman and Mark Drake for the invitation.