Dear Friend,

This past month, the United States witnessed one of the most stunning primary election upsets in congressional history with the defeat of House Majority Leader Eric Cantor by Tea Party-backed political novice David Brat. Political analysts, along with many members of the media, have speculated on the missteps that led to Cantor's downfall and in the midst of this theories, one defining phrase still rings true: "All politics is local."

As Cantor's political star continued to rise, national issues and the promotion of the Republican platform had him traveling constantly, away from his district and his constituents. On June 11, the voters of Virginia's 7^th Congressional District reinforced the notion that "all politics is local," when they ousted Cantor in favor of Brat.

My father, Tip O'Neill, coined that phrase and based his political career on the philosophy behind it: that the people nearest to you are the most important, and to whom you must always be accessible and responsive. Dad learned that lesson in his first - and only - electoral defeat, in the Cambridge City Council election of 1936. Even during his tenure as Speaker of the House, my father understood that a politician's success fundamentally depended on his or her ability to connect with and understand the concerns of constituents. Decades later, the United States has witnessed firsthand that this philosophy still resonates with politicians - no matter how experienced they may be.

Although the Republican primary in Virginia's 7^th Congressional District delivered an unexpected jolt to the Congressional landscape, it is unclear what kind of effect - if any - it will have on the other elections taking place throughout the country. In Mississippi, for example, six-term incumbent Senator Thad Cochran recently emerged as the victor of the Republican primary runoff, narrowly beating Tea Party insurgent Chris McDaniel. What I saw in that race was an incumbent who has never forgotten to pay attention to the voters back home. Republicans will be well served this year to learn the lesson of the failed Cambridge City Council race of 1936-pay attention to those at home, while keeping an eye on the national perspective. It will be interesting to see how the national party manages its populist wing, the Tea Party, and whether it can be responsive to the Tea Party's demands while speaking to competing concerns from local voters.

It's been, already an interesting and unpredictable election year. As we celebrate and honor the founding of our country this week, we also keep a careful eye as primary elections and campaign platforms continue to take shape ahead of the general elections in November. My best wishes to you and your families for a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday. 

Tom O'Neill 

Chief Executive Officer

Twitter: @tponeill3