Can Republicans Win by Embracing the National Education Association?

"The National Education Association agenda is the exact opposite of the Republican Party's agenda, or at least what our agenda should be. What's next? Accepting money from the National Abortion Rights Action League, Handgun Control, Gay Marriage PACs and George Soros?"  -Republican candidate for governor of New Jersey, Steve Lonegan.

The RNC reported $24 million in the bank and no debt while the DNC reported $8.6 million on hand and $7 million in debt. Awash in funds, then why did the RNC accept a $15,000 donation from the National Education Association PAC, who runs counter to fiscal conservatives and taxpayers; educational choice advocates; home educators; merit based employment; and, simply, exceptional education for America's children?

One Republican candidate, conservative Steve Lonegan, running for Governor of New Jersey, has now called on Michael Steele to return it. (See Steve's announcement below.) You might want to do the same. Find your favorite contact at the RNC here.  Or send a fax or snail mail:

Republican National Committee | 310 First Street | Washington, D. C. 20003

p/202.863.8500 | f/202.863.882

LONEGAN CALLS ON STEELE TO RETURN NEA DONATION TO RNC

ORADELL -- Republican Gubernatorial candidate Steve Lonegan today urged Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele to return a $15,000 donation from the National Education Association Political Action Committee

Politico reports that the NEA PAC donation was part of $90,000 collected from PACs in the last month, the first under Steele's chairmanship.

"I believe in raising money from people who share your vision of leadership," said Lonegan whose own campaign is closing in on the $2 Million fundraising mark including matching funds. "But I do not believe in asking for or accepting money from people or organizations whose mission differs from yours,” he added. "The National Education Association agenda is the exact opposite of the Republican Party's agenda, or at least what our agenda should be."

"What's next? Accepting money from the National Abortion Rights Action League, Handgun Control, Gay Marriage PACs and George Soros?" Lonegan wondered.

"Chairman Steele needs to return this $15,000 check to the NEA and stop the practice of asking our enemies to underwrite our activities. If Chairman Steele cannot run the RNC with the support of rank and file Republicans, then he should step down and turn the job over to someone else."

Lonegan said he was very disappointed in the first few weeks of Steele’s tenure.

"First he stepped out and attacked Rush Limbaugh, who has done more to galvanize taxpayers against the Obama agenda than the RNC has done. Then he said abortion was 'a choice' and now is taking money from the Teachers Union. While my opponent Mr. Christie and other party liberals may have no problem with Chairman Steele's actions, I do. We’re going to take back this country by standing tall for what we believe, not getting in bed with our opponents. And the battle to take back our nation starts right here in New Jersey, "Lonegan added.

Keep up with Steve's campaign by regularly visiting www.lonegan.com, where you will find all kinds of information, including Steve's calendar. You may also follow Steve on Twitter or request to be one of Steve's Facebook friends. There is also a great Steve Lonegan for NJ Governor Facebook Group not run by the campaign.