I’m not going to whitewash it. I’m a nervous wreck. Two years ago today many of us hoped we’d wake up to a President Romney—imperfect as he was—on Wednesday morning. But it was not to be. Barack Obama—arguably the worst president in U.S. history—was reelected, and those of us who understand who and what he is felt condemned to another four years of darkness. I feel that same sense of imminent doom today, because I know what the Democrats are. I know what they’re capable of. And I know they have nothing to offer. So I’m taking nothing for granted.

So, why vote a straight Conservative ticket, particularly those non-partisans among us who’ve never voted Republican before? Are the GOP candidates perfect? No. Do we need to hold their feet to the fire and make certain they’re voting conservatively, and not like the liberals who’ve gotten us into this mess? Yes. So the short answer is this: It’s the proven policies. As flawed as they currently are, and as bad as their messaging currently is, the GOP is the true party of diversity. I know, I know. The Democrats scream that the GOP is racist, sexist, and every other “–ist” they can pin to Republicans. But it’s Just. Not. True. The truth is, the GOP enjoys a vast range of ideas, and has workable, proven solutions to America’s problems. And as much as the Democrat group-thinkers and race-baiters squeal that it doesn’t, the GOP’s policies have attracted a broad range of people, including a growing number of freedom-loving youth that the GOP should wholeheartedly embrace. Imagine how many more Americans would move to the GOP’s corner if it could market its proven policies successfully, and sincerely, to Americans. Paging Mia Love.

So to illustrate, here’s a whittled-down list of time-tested winners for America:

• Pro Strong National Security and Military: The hands-off approach, and reduction of our military under Democrat control has lead directly to the rise of ISIS coupled with increasing instances of homeland terrorism, an emboldened Russia, and a possible nuclear bomb in the hands of Iran. The Obama Administration’s open borders policy has let in illegals from around the globe, many of whom are felons who’ve harmed American citizens, along with diseases we’ve never seen. It’s time to secure our nation. And respect those who protect us every day.
• Pro Business: The current administration is highly anti-small business. From ObamaCare taxes to rampant regulation from out-of-control federal bureaucrats, businesses, who are indeed job creators despite what Hillary Clinton thinks, are struggling across the country. The GOP understands that small businesses are the backbone of our economy. It’s time we unleash them.
• Pro Lower Taxation and Regulation: Democrats have never met a tax or a regulation they didn’t like. But lower taxes and fewer regulations are always proven winners to jump-start a tepid economy. You have more, you spend more. It’s really that simple. Two words: Tax Reform.
• Pro Free-Market Choice: For example, ObamaCare is about to decimate our healthcare policies, explode premiums, and limit access to healthcare. Conveniently after the midterms, of course. It is, and always has been, a big, stinking pile of fraud. Republicans want Obamacare taxes repealed, but Democrats have blocked them. A full repeal would be grand, but Obama will veto any attempt. Republicans can at the very least pass “fixes” for this monstrosity, like repealing the employer mandate for starters.
• Pro School Choice: One of the first moves New York City Mayor de Blasio (D) made after his election was canceling plans for the opening of several popular charter schools, where many children of minorities would have attended school. Democrats don’t want school choice. They want our children, predominantly minority children, crammed into public schools, regardless of quality, hamstringing their potential. Democrats are not on the side of our children; they are beholden to the teacher’s unions. Our children deserve the best education possible. And Democrats are standing in the way.
• Pro Second Amendment: The GOP is firmly on the side of our Second Amendment-guaranteed freedoms. Period.

And finally, but just as important to the health of our Republic, the GOP advances all of the following:

• Pro States Rights
• Pro Free Speech
• Pro Personal Responsibility and Self Sufficiency
• Pro Welfare Reform
• Pro Women and Minorities
• Pro Constitution

Much of which the Democrats claim they are, but have proven they are not.

You see? The GOP, imperfect as it is, is not the “Party of No,” as the Democrats, who have no positive message whatsoever, have successfully painted it. Have they thwarted some of Obama’s plans, and his daily attempts to subvert our Constitution? Yes. Did the voters twice hand them control of the House to do just that? Absolutely. But they’ve also passed many bills that would help Americans dig out of the malaise the Democrats have us mired in. And most are sitting in a heap beneath Harry Reid’s desk, just waiting for the Senate Majority “Leader” to vacate the premises. So let’s help him pack.

And one last point: An advisory to the GOP. Should you win control of the Senate, you would be wise to embrace your Conservatism and not dupe your base, as John Boehner has been accused of doing (he’s definitely forgotten how he became Speaker. Remember, it had something to do with a little thing called a Tea Party tsunami…). A win will give you a chance to prove that your policies work for all Americans, and that you can lead the nation heading in to 2016. But, if you pass Obama’s amnesty plan—a vast majority of Americans reject amnesty, just ask Eric Cantor—or an internet sales tax, then you can whisper “adieu” to any chance of winning back the White House in 2016. Or perhaps ever again. Because your base will desert you.

So vote! The GOP is the hands-down best option. Let’s give the Republicans a chance to prove themselves. Even if it requires a nose plug and a can of room deodorizer. Because Barack Obama has two more years in office with which to complete his “fundamental transformation of America.” Let’s show him who’s boss.