Republican lawmakers have spent the past two years relentlessly obstructing every facet of President Barack Obama’s agenda, a strategy that they unfortunately appear poised to capitalize on in the November midterm elections. By playing off the dissatisfaction created by the sluggish performance of the economy and watering down the Obama’s major proposals, Republicans have achieved the dual objectives of turning independent voters against the Democrats while simultaneously depressing their base, leaving the GOP in prime position to take back the House of Representatives and a substantial amount of governor’s mansions nationwide. As the Republican position improves, however, it becomes increasingly vital that the minority party cease their divisive demagoguery and outline coherent strategies to govern. If they do indeed regain control of the House, the tremendous problems facing our nation will become their responsibility.

In the run-up to the election thus far, Republican leaders have failed to articulate a clear governing vision, choosing instead to focus on race baiting, “Islamophobia” and unrealistic, counter-productive goose chases. We’ve heard plenty about repealing the birthright citizenship proviso in the 14th Amendment, stopping the proposed mosque in Lower Manhattan and repealing the recently passed health insurance reform bill. What we haven’t heard is any serious, coherent vision for solving the nation’s economic crisis — instead we’ve seen the extension of deficit-exploding tax cuts for the wealthy and the debunked “Roadmap for America” sham of Representative Paul Ryan, R-Wis.

All of that is well and good for the campaign, where the irrational tendency of voters to punish the president’s party for economic troubles could well carry the day without requiring any policy substance, but it won’t fly if Republicans are actually called upon to govern. Just as Americans blame Democrats now for their inability to stimulate the economy, they’ll blame the Republicans in two years if the GOP continues to chase frivolous ideological pursuits, grinding the government to a halt in the process. So if Republicans can’t work with Senate Democrats and the President to help the American people, they’ll give the House right back when Obama returns to the ballot in 2012. It is therefore in the GOP’s best interests — and the best interests of everyone in the nation — to get serious about bipartisan efforts.

Even if Republicans don’t retake the House, they’re sure to seriously slice into the Democratic majorities. Their support will be needed in earnest to pass any piece of legislation — regardless of the midterm’s outcome. Republicans need to abandon their relentless obstructionism and actually help contribute solutions to the legislative process. The country faces its most dangerous recession in a generation, with millions jobless and on food stamps and an exploding national debt that both parties are equally culpable for. Anything less than inspired bipartisan leadership and innovative policy solutions will cause a prolonged and painful fall from grace for this nation. Defining their party by what they’re against — Obama, immigrants, the poor, taxes, spending, etc. — rather than what they’re in favor of just isn’t good enough for Republican leaders.

These troubling times call for inspired leadership from Washington, not the politics of hatred and alienation. Whether they like it or not, those that rule are responsible for the well-being of all of our nation’s citizens, regardless of race, parentage, wealth, ideology or creed. Republicans have not had to seriously govern since 2006, but the time when their leadership is needed may soon be upon us. The GOP must reject the divisive bile of their base and embrace responsible intellectualism. Even with huge majorities in both chambers, the Democrats have had difficulty squeezing through any legislation these past few years. If we do indeed end up with a divided government this November, maturity must rule the day.