Republicans need to institutionalize the primary process.

Not just embrace it, but capitalize on it, use it as an interest generator, a message delivery service, and a trust builder. Make it something no race can do without.  Make it something no race would WANT to do without. Take an outside of the box look at a competition that is very serious indeed, but has room for improvement.

Every Republican partisan campaign, from county commission to Presidential aspiration could create a voting atmosphere worthy of audience.  Audience previously disregarded, and sucked into the resignation that they can have no affect on policy, or how a candidate performs in office.

With an institutionalized primary, debates become fundraisers. Fanaticism is enhanced.  More participation can happen, and it is at the level the participants feel comfortable.  Incumbents are separated from the teat of lobbyist benefactors and influences, and brought home to face tough love if needed.  Winning is actually accomplished by doing what the candidate is supposed to do.  If  an incumbent forgets how, they lose their seat.

No party loyalties prevent the 'unwanted' from getting into the races.  In fact, it helps the powers that be attenuate the hurt one candidate might feel when his position is being sought by a dissatisfied  challenger.  In fact, the onus is on the party to find suitable candidates to continue raising the bar.  More and better discussion breeds better ideas.  Better ideas bring better representation and better government.

Better government that is run by Republicans with solid Republican values, guarantees  long term dominance by a reborn and principles driven party.

Embrace the primary. Use it as a trust builder.

Seek candidates actively, with even an opportunity to insert favored candidates as well.

Use debate for building statewide party finances and public exposure. Exposure of better ideas and inclusion.

As a regular expected part of the process, it would be less stressful within the party.  As an expected part of the process, external influences would keep leaders more consistent and trustworthy.

Friends compete.  Opponents STAY friends

Or

We can continue to watch the cyclical resurrections of wishy washy presumptive leaders, and failure to maintain strong participation year to year.

And we have seen the challenges that need to be made, and are indeed spawning from our own ranks. Our government grows unchecked as there is no need for the VIPs who find themselves surrounded by the establishment wagons to make any course corrections, from whatever it is THEY consider to be conservative.

Indeed, blood sucking insects prosper in stagnant pools.

However, the truly contrite and "renewed" might still be great servants to the cause. If given a choice.

I leave you with this:

I confirmed tonight that Dan Benishek will NOT be challenged by Larry Inman for the Michigan first congressional district.  His reasons are sound, and his alternate course is to face off with moi for the 6th district county commission seat.  His resume dressed as a press release describes his vast experience in county government.  It also describes that with associated agencies, committees, and groups that never existed prior to the incredible modern growth of government.

So let the primary commence, and the debate begin.