On the Thursday edition of The Chad Hasty Show, author and GOP strategist Ford O'Connell talked with Chad Hasty about how the Republicans can get back into power in Washington.

In O'Connell's book, "Hail Mary: The 10-Step Playbook for Republican Recovery," he outlined some of the ways the Republicans can regain power in Congress, and even get back in the White House. With 2014 on the horizon, he predicted that health care should definitely be the major focus for the Republicans. O'Connell also pointed out that one of the problems with the Republican party is that they let the Democrats define them in the media and that they need to do a much better job of articulating their agenda.

"One of the things Republicans really have to do...is they really have to articulate a 21st century agenda going forward. They have to project their positive agenda. They have to project themselves as problem-solvers. And really, they have to expand the tent. Unfortunately, we seem to stick ourselves inside the echo chamber in FOX News and Rush Limbaugh, who I love dearly. But we have to get outside and start talking to people where they are and bring those voters into our tent."

O'Connell agreed that the Republican party is split up, but said that regardless of whether the party decides to go the Tea Party route or the more establishment route, the Republicans need a "just win" mentality. O'Connell praised New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as a great example of this mentality, especially with his win in this week's elections. He said that Christie is a fighter and can appeal to the whole country, not just his state of New Jersey.

As for other potential 2016 candidates, O'Connell said that Florida Senator Marco Rubio could also be good choice, but added that he might have tripped himself up with his immigration issues. He added that Texas Senator Ted Cruz could also be a front-runner, but warned that Cruz would probably need to tone down his "fire and brimstone" approach in order to appeal to the general public. he also threw out Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and New Mexico Governor Suzanna Martinez as possible contenders.

You can find O'Connell's book, "Hail Mary: The 10-Step Playbook for Republican Recovery" at Amazon.com and at booksellers nationwide.

Listen to the full interview with Ford O'Connell here:

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The Chad Hasty Show airs weekday mornings from 8:30 AM to 11 AM on NewsTalk 790 KFYO and online at KFYO.com.

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