WASHINGTON — Over strong objections from some conservative leaders,the Republican National Committee formally endorsed immigration reform on Monday and outlined plans for a $10 million outreach to minority groups — gay voters among them — as part of a strategy to make the GOP more “welcoming and inclusive” for voters who overwhelmingly supported Democrats in 2012.
In a report released Monday,the RNC says that the way the party communicates its principles isn’t resonating widely enough and that focus groups perceive the party as “narrow minded,” ”out of touch” and “stuffy old men.”
“The perception that we’re the party of the rich unfortunately continues to grow,” Reince Priebus,the RNC chair,said in a Monday morning speech.
To broaden its appeal,the party must reach out to minority voters and others,according to one recommendation in the report:“We must embrace and champion comprehensive immigration reform. If we do not,our party’s appeal will continue to shrink,” it said.
Acknowledging the tough road ahead for some immigration reform in a divided GOP,Priebus after the speech refused to say whether “comprehensive immigration reform” should include a pathway to citizenship and distanced himself from some of the report’s recommendations.
Read More at OfficialWire . By Steve Peoples.
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