Watch CBS News

Rove Says California Republicans Need New Way To Reach Voters

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — GOP strategist Karl Rove says California Republicans need to "get up off of the mat" and find new ways to reach voters if they are to regain popularity in the nation's most populous state.

Referring to the state party's deep losses in recent years, Rove said it needs to focus on larger themes of restoring jobs and reducing government spending. But he also said the party must recruit candidates who reflect the diversity of the country, and in particular California.

By next year, Hispanics will overtake whites as the state's largest demographic group.

Rove told activists Saturday at the state party convention that rebuilding would be "a big task," but noted the example of Texas. Once a Democratic stronghold, Texas has elected Republicans to 95 of 150 state House seats.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.