For much of the past decade, Republicans jealously eyed the outside organizations built by Democrats — groups that operate independently of the party’s elected officials to provide polling, messaging and policy advice. Those organizations played no small part in the Democrats’ takeovers of the White House, Senate and House in the past two elections.
Many Republican strategists have acknowledged that even such successful conservative organizations as the Heritage Foundation lack the political sophistication of their counterparts on the Democratic side, such as the Center for American Progress.
Out of power at every level in Washington, Republicans have adopted a “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” strategy — mimicking some of the most successful ideas put in place by Democrats over the past decade (or so) in hopes of preparing the party for the 2010 midterm election and beyond.
Full story: Republican group American Action hopes to mimic Democrats’ success – washingtonpost.com