Madeline Koch: Wanted: GOP for the next generation

As a young Republican, I've often been criticized for "abandoning my age cohort."

Yes, it's true -- most voters in the 18-24 age range classify themselves as Democrats or admit to leaning left.

Even though I am a proud Republican, I am just as likely to be found backing up my political affiliation with how I think our party must adapt if there is any hope for survival.

Not surprisingly, we young voters will play a large role in the future of the Republican Party, but first our governing officials must listen to us.

I realize that the once-dominant party of the Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan has become out of fashion. It is no longer "cool" to be a Republican as most of the conservative leaders are white-haired grandparents who cannot even relate to their grandchildren, let alone the young voter cohort. Words that I often hear repeated by young voters when describing the Republican Party are "boring" or "lame."

Many leaders, as a result, have been trying to connect with people our age through social media. It is no shocker that these virtual tools helped President Obama take the lead over Sen. John McCain last November.

But ultimately, the young people of American could not relate to McCain because of his old-fashioned ways of doing politics and his inability to listen to what we wanted as young Americans.

But this is not just McCain's problem -- it's the Republican Party's as well.

So Republican leaders: Please listen up. The voters in the new generation that has been entering the workforce will be the ones you need in the future.

First: We want gay marriage. Though we may not all be willing to march in the Pride parades or even send fiery letters to our congressmen about it, most of us believe that gay couples deserve the right to be legally wed. I can guarantee you this: The issue of gay marriage is not going to go away, and unless you start shifting within the Republican Party, you will not gain our support.

Gay marriage is only one subject; on the whole, we need to be more inclusive on social issues.

Second: We don't need leadership, we need strong leadership. One of the main problems that the Republican Party struggles with is nominating a visible, likable leader. The political vacuum that was created after so many other Republicans dropped the torch has forced us to listen to Rush Limbaugh and Dick Cheney -- both voices that are no louder than Democrats and don't lead us anywhere. Put your efforts these next few months into finding an intelligent, confident Republican who, let's face it, needs to be somewhat moderate to win us back.

Third: Do not back down on economic issues and homeland security -- these are your trademarks, and there must be a strong opposition to the Democrats if there is to be any hope for a reasonable balance. As spending continues to increase, almost every American knows that the bill will fall on us, the young people, as we start to participate financially -- paying more taxes, having a mortgage, starting a 401(k)-- in our communities. We will realize sooner or later that the spending needs to stop, and we will see the need for fiscally conservative policies.

Finally: Be patient. Do not feel such urgency to smack down the Democrats on every single piece of legislation. Young people today do not want a combative party to define them; we are willing to listen to a leader who understands where both sides are coming from. We like compromise, and we are willing to forgive someone for trying and failing rather than forcing the system to gridlock.

Overall, our political leaders on both sides of the aisle need to recognize that our nation is becoming more moderate. Republicans need to stop fighting it with outlandish attacks on Democrats, and should stop blaming American "liberals" for all of our problems. Instead, just recognize that our nation is changing, and learn to adapt.

I know you are stuck in your ways, Republican leaders, so open your ears and listen to the young people of America.

Madeline Koch, of St. Paul, is a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago who works in public relations in Minneapolis.