(Washington, D.C.) – “As we honor the birthday of one of our nation’s greatest Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, our leaders in Washington would do well to emulate the values that made his Presidency so successful,” said former U.S. Representative Charles F. Bass (R-NH), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Republican Main Street Partnership.   

“President Lincoln was right when he said that a house divided cannot stand.  Indeed, a recent biography of Lincoln highlights how he let this maxim guide his Presidency.  Lincoln went to great lengths to not only work with his political rivals, but to transform many of his rivals into trusted allies,” stated Bass.  “President Lincoln put the needs of the country above ego and above petty political rivalries, and that’s what the American electorate is hungry for today.” 

“Our leaders in Washington should work to end the era of hyper-partisanship that has so divided our country,” added Bass.  “Democrats and Republicans across the political spectrum should recommit themselves to doing the work of the American people.  The only way we can find solutions to the challenges facing our country is through working together.” 

“Thoughtful political leaders who step forward and focus on a pragmatic, results oriented agenda can reestablish the center-right ‘Governing Majority’ of American politics by appealing to the hope of freedom and prosperity, while understanding the positive role government can play in our communities,” continued Bass.   

“The Republican Main Street Partnership and our elected members look forward to working with the President and members of both parties to emulate the values of Lincoln by putting the needs of the American people first,” concluded Bass.  

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The Republican Main Street Partnership (RMSP) is dedicated to promoting and building a pragmatic, thoughtful, fiscally conservative, and inclusive “Governing Majority,” where political debate is encouraged to promote solutions to improve the lives of all Americans. Embracing the full spectrum of center-right ideologies and values in order to build coalitions, RMSP is the largest organization of elected leaders who are in the mold of Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan. For more information on RMSP, visit our website at www.republicanmainstreet.org.