What I learned from Ralph Reed last night

The Palms West Republican Club hosted an outstanding dinner last night.  Ralph Reed was the featured speaker.  You may recall that Reed was director of the Christian Coalition under Pat Robertson, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, and a candidate for Georgia Lt. Governor.

Brian Kirk with Ralph Reed.

Whether you agree with his politics and theology or not, Reed is a brilliant political strategist, with an understanding of the big picture, as well as the minutia of campaigning.  Here are some things I learned from his talk last night:

• 25% of evangelical church members are not even registered to vote.
• 50% of America's unemployed have been so six months or longer.
• 700,000 Floridians have "Choose Life" license plates.  
• There are now 47 million Americans on food stamps.
• 90% of homeless shelters in America are run by religious organizations.
• 1 out of every 6 patients in a hospital bed today are in Catholic hospitals.
• The birth control battle with ObamaCare and the Catholic Church isn't about birth control.  It's about liberty.  
• Why has President Obama been unable to pressure the UN Security Council to produce a resolution on Syria?
• Gov. Christie of NJ is the first pro-life governor of NJ in the post Roe v. Wade era.
• Quote of the night: "I've got a lot of friends running for President, and I'm supporting all my friends." - Reed when asked who he is supporting.

Reed is a smart guy.  His new organization, The Faith and Freedom Coalition, http://ffcoalition.com/, is planning to be actively involved in the 2012 cycle.

On a personal note, I was heartened to see people of several different faiths at last night's dinner.  The Faith and Freedom coalition will have a broader appeal than the Christian Coalition, and I look forward to participating in their grassroots efforts in FL in the months ahead.