Ego check: In March Madness, big leads have a way of evaporating

Thoughtful, telegenic Republican officials with sunny demeanors should be put front and center to lead this charge for our party. In the House, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has been a shining star in the health care debate. He earned accolades for constructively engaging President Obama at the summit and the House GOP retreat. Additionally, his command of the facts and ability to articulate positive solutions to improve affordability and access to health care make him a perfect GOP messenger. On the Senate side, South Dakota Senator John Thune should be tapped to carry the banner. As a plain-spoken Midwesterner, Thune reasonably explains why government excesses have a negative impact on average Americans. As chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, Thune is well-versed on GOP free-market solutions that will lower health care costs. Images matter in the business of political communications, so it is an added bonus that both leaders are fit and are pictures of health.

Winning 40 seats in the House and 10 in the Senate would’ve been seen as a tall order just months ago. Now, with Democrats proudly crowing about flouting the will of the people with their health care takeover, Republicans have a unique opportunity to show voters how they’ll lead if given the reins to Congress once again.

Scott Stanzel is President of Stanzel Communications and was Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary to President George W. Bush.