Where is the Republican Party Headed?

Demographics is important in marketing. If your customer base is shrinking, you've got a problem. Products often change in order to offset the changing demographics of the customer base. In politics, the same principal applies. It's hard not to see that the Republican party is in need of change. Here are four fundamental changes that need to occur in the Republican party in order to stay relevant.

1. Embrace real libertarian principals: The mantra should be that small government is an effective government. Encourage private investment. The tricky part is all politicians (even Republicans) can't help but bring home as much pork as possible for their local constituents. I really do believe this needs to be the central most talked about concept in the party. Which leads to my next point...

2. Back off social issues: Abortion and gay marriage will no longer fire up the base. Time is working against you on these topics. Public opinion is rapidly changing on gay marriage and more and more "pro-life" supporters are becoming more moderate on the issue. I don't think this trend will change.

3. Adopt an immigration plan that appeals to the Hispanic population: At least partial amnesty is going to be necessary. People will not vote for you if they see you as breaking up families.

4. You can no longer count on the south: States in the south are up for grabs. The entire northeast is becoming untouchable. Democrats made waves in the last election because they became electable in all 50 states. They didn't cede any ground.

Personally, I hope the Republican party heads in the opposite direction. Sometimes parties need to end.